New Highways Reduce Traffic

For those who are unfamiliar with the Grand Strand, or for those who haven't visited in many years, new roads are bringing relief to an overwhelmed highway system. However, planning your trip in order to use the new roads will not necessarily save you time. The new roads are:

Veterans Highway-Highway 22

Extends from Highway 501 West of Conway to Highway 17 North at Colonial Mall. This highway is highlighted in yellow: See Map

This highway is most convenient for those who are traveling to destinations in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, and destinations north. It will also shorten trips for locals, as it intersects with highways 905 and 90. Proposals for Highway 22 incorporate it into the road system for the new Interstate 73, the biggest road project in South Carolina history. Interstate 73 is slated to run from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Myrtle Beach, SC.

Carolina Bays Parkway-Highway 31

Extends from Highway 501 at Forestbrook Road to Highway 9, North Myrtle Beach. This highway is highlighted in blue: See Map

This highway will save you time if you are traveling north to south, or vice versa. The next leg of this parkway is slated to open sometime in late 2004. At this time, the Carolina Bays Parkway will run from Highway 9 in North Myrtle Beach, to Highway 544 a half mile west of the Intercoastal Waterway. Construction plans propose that this road will extend all across Horry County, and into Georgetown County.

Grissom Parkway

Extends from Highway 31 to Highway 501, Myrtle Beach. This highway is highlighted in green: See Map

Although this is not a means to get to the Myrtle Beach area, it is a great way to get around once you have arrived. This parkway runs parallel with Highways 17 Business and 17 Bypass between 48th Avenue North and Highway 501. It is particularly convenient due to its consistent 45 mph speed limit, although lights at every avenue can be frustrating.

With massive construction projects underway, travelers want to know which is the best route to take. Myrtle Beach Living has the answers for you! See the links below for weekly construction information and to order a Myrtle Beach area map updated with the newest roads:

Weekly Construction Information