Tolls Come to an End on theCross Island Parkway
Since 1998, residents and tourists have been paying tolls on the Cross Island Parkway–but that’s all about to change.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has stopped collecting tolls as of June 30, 2021for Hilton Head Island’s Cross Island Parkway.
The agency is now preparing to convert the corridor to a non-tolled road.
The Cross Island Parkway has served Hilton Head residents, visitors, and businesses as an important alternate travel route for more than 20 years, and we’re pleased to convert it to a non-tolled roadway permanently,” said Justin Powell, SCDOT Deputy Secretary of Finance and Administration.
Opened in 1998, The Cross Island Parkway is a 7.5 mile, limited access route that connects the William Hilton Parkway (Business US 278) at the north end of the Island with Palmetto Bay Road and the Sea Pines Circle at the south end of the island. SCDOT will continue maintaining the Parkway as apart of its statewide road system.
Since the toll has completed its purpose of supporting the Parkway’s financing, they have discontinued it as required by state law.
“We are preparing to close out related Palmetto Pass account sand prepare for construction work to remove the toll facilities on the corridor,” Powell said.
SCDOT and its contractor who operates the toll, Conduent Transportation, has been communicating with the more than 32,000 Palmetto Pass customers on procedures to close their accounts, return their transponders, and how they might receive refunds of their deposits. Conduent has contacted these customers by mail, email, public and media information, and the Palmetto Pass website, www.crossislandparkway.org
Motorists using Palmetto Pass electronic devices (transponders) to pay their tolls electronically may return them either in person at the plaza office to receive a refund of their current balance. The toll office is located at 4 Marshland Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Transponders may also be returned via mail at P.O. Box 5096, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.
Will the toll booths be removed?
Yes. The toll booths will be removed. Work to remove them will get underway in early 2022.
What will happen to the Cross Island Parkway plaza office at 4 Marshland Lane?
SCDOT is working with the Town to identify a continuing public use of the facility.
What will happen to the Cross Island Parkway as far as lane realignment?
The road in the vicinity of the toll plaza will be narrowed to match the roadway section north of the toll plaza.
What is the construction timeline for work?
SCDOT is currently soliciting proposals for a design-build construction contract and intends to award a contract this winter. The design and permitting phase will take place over several months. Once design and permitting are complete, the construction will likely begin in the spring or summer of 2022.
Will there be more signage on the Cross Island to help with traffic?
On July 1, SCDOT crews will begin removing toll signs. Signs will be updated and installed as part of the project.
Palmetto Pass Account Questions and Answers
How can I close my Palmetto Pass account?
You may close your account in person or by mail. You may return your device (transponder) in person at 4 Marshland Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 or by mail at P.O. Box 5096, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.
When is the last day I can close my account?
October 15, 2021 will be the last day to close out your Palmetto Pass Account. Please plan to do so as soon as possible to avoid refund delays.
When will I receive my Palmetto Pass refund?
Refunds are based on whether or not you have a tag deposit and/or a positive prepaid balance on your account. Typically, refunds take between 2-4 weeks, and there may be some delays due to the number of accounts that need to be closed. So, the sooner you can close out your account, the better. You will be refunded by check if you don’t have a credit/debit card placed on your account. You will be refunded by credit/debit card if you have a credit card placed on your account.
What do I do if I receive a violation notice?
Violations will be handled as they normally are. For valid Palmetto Pass account holders, violations will be paid through their accounts at the regular Palmetto Pass rate as long as the account has a positive balance. Violations for non-Palmetto Pass account holders must be paid by the violation notice due date to avoid further collections activities.
Can I keep my device (transponder) for use at the Greenville Southern Connector (GSC, I-185))?
The transponder device will no longer work at the GSC and you will need to open an account at www.southernconnector.com . If you have any issues opening an account with the Southern Connector, please contact them at (864) 527-2143. Please close out your Palmetto Pass account as soon as possible and open a new account with GSC. We recommend you do so as soon as possible. Go to www.crossislandparkway.org or call 843-342-6718 for more information.
Fun Facts
The bridge portion of the Cross Island Parkway is officially named the Charles E. Fraser Bridge, the founder of Sea Pines who ushered in the modern era of development on Hilton Head Island. This section of the parkway will retain his name.
Approximately 24,000 vehicles cross the parkway daily.
There’s an underground tunnel that connects the toll booths to the Cross Island parkway office. This tunnel will be filled in as part of the construction process.
