Traffic Concerns Rise as New Mixed-Use Development Plans Unfold in Horry County

Traffic Concerns Rise as New Mixed-Use Development Plans Unfold in Horry County

Horry County is buzzing with excitement over a massive new development set to sprout up along the busy U.S. 501 corridor, between Carolina Forest and Conway. While the upcoming project promises to add a flurry of enticing businesses to the area, it also raises concerns about potential traffic troubles in a region that already sees significant congestion.

What’s the Plan?

The planned development is strategically positioned between Storage Rentals of America and Carolina Forest High School at 700 Gardner Lacy Rd. It’s projected to include around 30 buildings, alongside seven parking garages and many more parking lots. With two buildings set aside for shops and another two intended for restaurants, there’s certainly a lot of hustle and bustle to look forward to. Adding to the excitement are amenity areas that promise to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Traffic Projections: What to Expect

However, excitement for this new commercial hub is tempered by a traffic impact analysis conducted by the national engineering firm, Kimley Horn. Their study forecasts that this development could see an astonishing increase of 26,572 daily trips. Imagine that—nearly 1,700 additional car trips during the busy morning rush and over 2,000 added in the afternoon! Yikes!

U.S. 501: The Traffic Hotspot

For those who may not be aware, U.S. 501 is regarded as one of the busiest roads in the Myrtle Beach area. With an annual average daily traffic count of 51,600 cars between the S.C. 544 overpass and Carolina Bays Parkway, it’s already a bustling route. The recent developments along this vital artery only add more fuel to the traffic fire, with nearby routes like Burning Ridge Road, Wild Wing Boulevard, Myrtle Ridge Drive, and Postal Way also set to feel the pinch.

Solutions in the Works

But all is not lost! The traffic analysis has come with a silver lining in the form of recommendations. To mitigate the impact of increased traffic, Kimley Horn suggests adding turning lanes for vehicles entering and exiting the area, as well as internal roads to ease congestion. After all, who doesn’t want smoother cars flowing in and out?

Ongoing Projects Add to the Mix

The upcoming development isn’t the only piece of the puzzle affecting local traffic. Horry County is also in the midst of expanding U.S. 501, as part of the Ride III road infrastructure project funded through a one-cent sales tax. Once completed, U.S. 501 will boast six lanes stretching from S.C. Highway 31 to the S.C. 544 interchange. This ambitious project is set to cost around $50 million and is expected to wrap up by the fall of 2026. It seems the county is doing its best to prepare for an increasingly busy roadway!

The Future Looks Bright

While traffic predictions have raised eyebrows among residents, the potential influx of jobs and businesses could be a fantastic boon for Horry County. With the completion of this massive mixed-use development anticipated in 2027, locals can look forward to a vibrant shopping and dining scene that may very well help to elevate the community. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that proper planning will keep the traffic woes manageable!

As the plans unfold, residents are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates. After all, Horry County is a thriving community, and it looks like its future is undoubtedly bright, if not a little congested!