Myrtle Beach: A Note on Upcoming Beach Closures
Hey Myrtle Beach friends! We’ve got some important news to share about a part of our beautiful coastline. Starting on October 24, a section of the beach near downtown Myrtle Beach will be closed for some serious construction work. The closure involves the beach access at 24th Street North, and it’s set to stay closed through winter 2025. So, if you have your favorite spot near that area, you might want to find a new beach hangout for a while!
What’s Going On?
If you’re wondering what’s behind this beach closure, it’s all part of a project to install an ocean outfall system. This massive construction project will see an 84-inch pipe extending approximately 1,500 feet into the ocean, snaking underneath the sea floor. It sounds super technical, but here’s the gist: it’s going to help keep our beaches cleaner and healthier!
The new outfall system is crucial because it will replace 11 stormwater pipes currently cluttering the beach. This not only helps in collecting trash but also filters stormwater before it rejoins our beautiful ocean. The whole project is expected to cost over $42 million, which might seem like a lot, but it’s an investment in keeping our beaches pristine.
How Long Will This Last?
As we mentioned, the beach access at 24th Street North has already closed since September and will remain shut down until 2026. That might sound like a long time, but the construction is going to be well worth it once it’s completed! The actual laying of the new outfall pipe is set to kick off in January 2025, so we’re not too far off from seeing some action happening out by the waves!
In case you missed it over the summer, there were some other ocean outfall projects buzzing around, especially around North Myrtle Beach. You might have even spotted some construction barges out there doing routine maintenance on the existing outfalls. They were busy cleaning and inspecting to ensure that the system remains in tip-top shape.
What About Access and Alternatives?
For anyone planning beach trips, it’s a good idea to find out which areas will be accessible. With 24th Street North off the table, you might want to explore other beach accesses. Myrtle Beach has plenty of spots that still invite sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike! So grab your beach towels and sunscreen and head a little further down the coast for some fun in the sun.
Looking Ahead
It’s easy to feel a bit bummed about parts of our beach being closed, especially as we all love spending time on the sandy shore. But think of this construction as a step toward healthier beaches, brighter ocean days, and a better environment for all of us that call Myrtle Beach home. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this project, and just remember: these changes will help to keep our beautiful Myrtle Beach thriving for years to come!
Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses and enjoy the rest of your beach season while you can! 🌞
