Myrtle Beach Begins $40 Million Stormwater Management Project to Enhance Coastal Resilience

Myrtle Beach Starts Construction on Major Stormwater Project

Myrtle Beach, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as construction kicks off on a massive stormwater management project that promises to change the way we handle heavy rains in our coastal city. Just last week, crews got their boots on the ground for the 24th Avenue deep water ocean outfall, a project that’s expected to cost around $40 million. The best part? Nearly $37 million of that will come from state aid, so our city isn’t footing the whole bill!

What’s This Project All About?

So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill construction job. This project includes a giant 84-inch diameter pipe that will stretch a whopping 1,500 feet into the ocean. That’s like laying down more than five football fields! The main goal here is to effectively transport stormwater away from our beaches and into the deep blue sea.

City officials have been quite vocal about how important these outfalls are, stating they help to remove stormwater pipes from our lovely beach, collect trash, and filter out pollutants before the water re-enters the ocean. This is a big win for the environment and for us beach lovers!

Temporary Beach Access Closures

Now, before you grab your beach towels and sunscreen, here’s something to keep in mind: the construction is going to affect beach access in the area. The city has established a laydown yard for the construction between Withers Drive and North Ocean Blvd., which means the popular 24th Ave. N. beach access point will remain closed through early 2026. Yes, that’s a bit of a bummer, but think of it as a small sacrifice for long-term benefits.

Investing in Our Future

This project isn’t coming out of nowhere. Myrtle Beach has been putting in some serious work on stormwater management since the late 1990s, with over $75 million invested already. In fact, we have four existing deepwater outfalls at 25th Ave. S., 4th Ave. N., 14th Ave. N., and 53rd Ave. N. So, it’s safe to say the city knows a thing or two about keeping our waters clean.

Looking Ahead

As we dive into this new project, residents and visitors alike will be keen to watch how it unfolds. There are key dates already lined up, so be sure to mark your calendars. Stay tuned to the city’s social channels for updates along the way.

So, while we might have to deal with some temporary closures and construction for a while, it’s all part of the journey to a cleaner, healthier Myrtle Beach. As we say in our beautiful coastal city, it’s just another day in paradise! This investment means we can look forward to enjoying our pristine beaches for many seasons to come, stress-free when those summer storms roll in.

Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing during construction and imagine the awesome improvements coming our way. Stay safe out there, Myrtle Beach!