The red line shows plans to redesign the US 501 in downtown Myrtle Beach. Construction is expected to begin in 2023.
Three projects in South Carolina, from Conway to Myrtle Beach, could change the look and function of US Highway 501 over the next three years.
The last construction to extend the US 501 began in February on Gardner Lacy Road, according to Pete Poore with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
Construction of the southern extension project from Gardner Lacy Road to SC Route 31 is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. A third project on US 501 from Gardner Lacy Road to SC 544 will begin later in the fall of 2022, said Poore, which would extend the US 501 to six tracks.
The effort is funded by Horry County’s RIDE III sales tax and is currently in the preliminary engineering stage. Right-of-way acquisitions are scheduled to begin this spring.
While the city of Myrtle Beach is working to revitalize its center, part of the US 501 will be redesigned. SCDOT maps show that the route on Broadway Street will continue east to 7th Avenue North, causing the US 501 to cross the North Kings Highway.
Total construction is expected to begin in early 2023, said Poore.
“These road projects are important to our growing community and we look forward to the completion of these projects and the additional traffic relief they will provide to our residents and visitors,” said Kelly Moore, a spokesman for Horry County.
In addition to the construction of the US 501, county officials expect the Carolina Forest Boulevard extension project to be completed in early July. This $ 54.7 million project will expand the road to four lanes from River Oaks Drive to Gateway Drive.
On May 1, other sections of roads and streets within the city of Myrtle Beach are expected to be resurfaced, including:
- Robert Grissom Parkway from 21st Avenue North to 29th Avenue North.
- Greens Boulevard from 21st Avenue North to Mohawk Drive.
- Osceola Street from Mohawk Drive to Mr. Joe White Avenue.
- Louise Drive from Country Club Drive to Canterbury Lane.
- Oleander Drive from 38th Avenue North to 48th Avenue North.
- North Oak Street from First Avenue to Main Street (US 501).
- South Oak Street from Collins Avenue to First Avenue.