Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Carolina Forest Prepares for New Developments and Traffic Changes

Community developments in Carolina Forest including new schools and homes.

News Summary

Carolina Forest is facing increased congestion as new housing developments emerge, including a new high school and YMCA. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these changes as officials implement improvements to local infrastructure and traffic management.

Carolina Forest Gears Up for Increased Congestion and New Developments

Carolina Forest is buzzing with excitement, but there’s no denying that the neighborhood is also bracing itself for some increased congestion as new developments spring up around town. Primarily, residents are paying close attention to the expansion of housing developments that include the construction on what used to be the Bear nine holes of River Oaks Golf Club. As more families set up shop in this charming area, everyone’s hoping the infrastructure can keep up!

YMCA and New School Coming to Town

In an effort to foster community spirit and provide recreational opportunities for residents, the Carolina Forest Civic Association is hosting a meeting with David Byrd, the CEO of YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Happening on March 19, the meeting will focus on a potential new YMCA facility at the intersection of River Oaks Drive and Augusta Plantation Drive. The YMCA is currently collaborating with Tidelands Health to get this project off the ground. This is exciting news, as the YMCA will offer programs and activities for everyone in Carolina Forest.

If you’re interested in attending the meeting, be sure to swing by the Carolina Forest Library at 2250 Carolina Forest Blvd at 6 p.m. It’s an opportunity to be heard and learn more about how this facility might affect your community.

New High School on the Horizon

Amid increased development, another big announcement has residents buzzing— a new high school! The Coastal High School will be built on nearly 113 acres off River Oaks Drive and is expected to open its doors in August 2025. This school, formerly known as Coastal Leadership Academy, will accommodate around 520 students. It is also a public school, meaning it’s free to enroll!

Community leaders are already talking about how this new venue will positively impact the area, providing great outdoor environmental opportunities for the students. However, some residents are feeling a bit anxious about how traffic conditions will be affected, especially since the increase in students will likely mean more buses, all of which will be navigating the existing roads that are already busy. To help with this anticipated influx, a new stoplight will be installed, aiming to keep traffic flowing more smoothly.

Road Improvements Underway

In addition to new schools and community centers, Horry County leaders have announced yet another plan aimed at easing traffic woes. A large chunk of land—23.36 acres—has been purchased for $1.15 million from Forestar Real Estate Group, with plans to create a highway interchange along S.C. 31. This new interchange is designed to help reduce congestion on River Oaks Drive and Carolina Forest Boulevard.

Officials are looking to connect August Plantation Drive to Revolutionary War Way, which should help distribute traffic better as more residents move in. The purchase is funded by a settlement agreement regarding hospitality fees that were previously frozen due to legal disputes. The county anticipates that this funding, which is about $15 million annually, will support various public safety and road improvement projects, including the new interchange.

Ongoing Monitoring of Traffic Conditions

A recent two-car crash in Carolina Forest has raised concerns regarding public safety on the roads. The Horry County Fire Rescue responded to this incident, which resulted in two individuals being hospitalized and required emergency extrication from the vehicles. As Carolina Forest continues to grow, residents are reminded of the importance of road safety, particularly as new developments come along.

With all these exciting developments in the pipeline, Carolina Forest is clearly on the cusp of significant changes. Residents are encouraged to stay involved and informed, ensuring that the needs of the community are met as this vibrant area continues to evolve.