A quarterly e-newsletter providing information about infrastructure projects coordinated by Horry County, including those within the RIDE Program.

Road Talks with David Gilreath

Progress on some of Horry County’s largest RIDE 3 projects is becoming more visible by the day.

From major road widenings along Highway 501 and Highway 701, to improvements on Fred Nash Boulevard and dirt road paving projects — the vision for a smoother, safer ride is coming into focus.  

The video below is an extension of Future in Focus with impactful updates from Assistant County Administrator of Infrastructure & Regulation David Gilreath on key projects designed to sustain Horry County’s future.

In this edition, Gilreath provides a history of the RIDE Program and what’s to come.  

Letters from Horry County Leaders

David Gilreath, P.E. - Assistant County Administrator, Infrastructure & Regulation Division

Dear Horry County Residents and Partners,

As we step into a new fiscal year, I am excited to bring you some news and updates from the RIDE Program and other important County projects.  

Since the June newsletter, the RIDE (Road Improvement & Development Effort) Program continues to make progress on several projects, finishing one of those, and prepares to begin even more. 

We are often asked questions such as, “When will construction start on this road?” or “Why does it take so long to build a road?” Before we get to the updates, I thought it would be helpful to share some information about the process of building and improving roads. The following is the short answer, because this is a letter, not a book.

Road projects can be broken down into three phases:  

1. Design/Permitting 

• Surveying, preliminary design, traffic studies, public information meetings (as applicable), geotechnical investigations, environmental review/mitigations, drainage studies, final design and specifications, coordination with utilities, environmental permitting and coordination with state/federal agencies

2. Right-of-Way Acquisition

• Identification of needed property, surveys, contact/discussions with property owner, assessment of impacts to the property, negotiations, closings, condemnation (if required)

3. Construction

• Procurement of contractor, mobilization, clearing/grubbing, utility relocations, drainage, grading, curbing/sidewalk, base, paving, stabilization, striping, signage, traffic signals, testing, inspections/compliance, closeout

These three steps to build a road will typically take 6 to 10 years or more to complete. 

One thing I have learned over the years is that there is a process to build road projects.  Sometimes that process can feel slow (and painful) but there are so many factors involved it just takes time to get it right. 

As hard as it may be to believe, building a road may be the easiest part of the whole process. 

Revenues and finance are also a major factor in the scheduling of a project.  

The RIDE Program typically uses a “pay as you go” model meaning that we do not sell bonds (take out loans) to build our projects.  This means we must have already collected the funds through the penny sales tax to complete a contract before we can sign the contract. 

This practice saves finance costs but does, at times, influence the various project schedules. 

I hope this information about building roads helps you understand better the many challenges involved. 

Now, to the exciting progress we are beginning to see on some initiatives. We will go into these project in more detail below, but I am excited to mention progress continues on major projects such as Highway 501 Widening (finishing late next year), Hwy 501 Realignment in Myrtle Beach (finishing late next year), Hwy 701 in Loris (finishing now), Hwy 9 Business in Loris (finishing this Fall), and Fred Nash Boulevard extension near Myrtle Beach International Airport(finishing this Fall) .

With SCDOT’s seasonal lane closure restrictions lifted, construction activity and progress is expected to increase across multiple work zones.  

Another important step in the RIDE Program in recent weeks was the Independent Republic Heritage Preserve Wetland Mitigation Bank. Horry County purchased the nearly 3,700-acre property along the southern side of International Drive in 2018.

The land was just recently placed under a permanent conservation easement, protecting it from future development and enhancing the unique Carolina Bay and wet pine savanna ecosystems of the Coastal Plain.

On September 10, 2025, Horry County celebrated the groundbreaking of a new fire station that will provide improved service and safety for the Finklea community.

On September 17, 2025, Horry County marked another milestone with the completion of the new Operations Building at the Public Works Complex. The new facility offers expanded space for the Infrastructure & Regulation Division and underscores the County’s commitment to meeting the community’s evolving needs.

Horry County Planning & Zoning is also working to shape the County’s future through the review of the Comprehensive Plan – also known as IMAGINE 2040. A major component of this review is the incorporation of resiliency—ensuring that our community is equipped to handle environmental, economic and social challenges, including climate change, natural disasters and growth pressures. 

The online survey portion of the review, which closed today, garnered about 740 responses. These responses helped shape the DRAFT IMAGINE 2040 Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Review, which will be presented to the Horry County Planning Commission on October 2. Following that presentation, a 30-day public comment period will open ahead of a Public Hearing in late October. The Comprehensive Plan Review will then move to Horry County Council in November. This process offers residents a valuable opportunity to stay engaged and help guide the future of Horry County.

In conclusion, I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read this letter.  We here at Horry County Government work hard to make life better for our community. It truly is a pleasure to get to work with so many wonderful staff members along with County Council and our partners at the respective municipalities.  More importantly, we are all honored to get to work with so many community members and for the public as a whole, ensuring that Horry County's future remains bright.

Sincerely,

David Gilreath, P.E.

Assistant County Administrator

Infrastructure & Regulation Division

U.S. Highway 701 Widening Update

A major RIDE 3 widening project is wrapping up in Loris.

Those who travel U.S. Highway 701 are already enjoying a smoother commute from Dogwood Street to SC-Highway 9.

Contractors have completed the large scope of the project to widen the route to accommodate turn lanes and sidewalks.

The improvements increase safety and efficiency for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.



Although most of the work is complete, drivers should continue to follow construction zone signs and instructions while final touches are made.

SC - 31 EXTENSION UPDATE

The extension of SC - 31, also known as Carolina Bays Parkway, from SC - 9 in Horry County across the North Carolina state line to U.S. 17 in Brunswick County is in the design & engineering phase.

The project is being managed by the S.C. Department of Transportation and N.C. Department of Transportation. The RIDE Program will provide funding for the South Carolina portion of the project. It is expected to involve construction of a multi-lane expressway and may include both existing roadways and areas on new locations. 

The purpose of this project is to improve the transportation network in the study area by enhancing mobility and connectivity for traffic moving in and through the project area.

Watch the video below for an extensive overview of the proposed project.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project was completed in July of 2025. Use the button below to read the statement.

The SCDOT and NCDOT are seeking feedback on the study. Click the button below to submit your comments. The Comment Period ends October 31, 2025. 

The NCDOT and SCDOT are in the process of rescheduling two public meetings for this project. The meetings, originally planned for Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, were postponed due to the potential for tropical weather. Horry County will share the new dates once they are confirmed, and updates will also be posted here.

SCDOT UPDATES ON MAJOR PROJECTS

The SCDOT is the lead agency on several current major construction projects. Any construction that occurs on a federal or state roadway is managed by our partners at the SCDOT.

The following information was provided by SCDOT on these improvement projects.

Highway 501 Re-Alignment

In Myrtle Beach, utility work continues at the Chester Street and 7th Ave Intersection, however since Labor Day on the block between North Oak Street and Kings Highway the contractor has installed new curbs, gutters and sidewalk.

Crews also brought the new U.S. - 501 relocation alignment section of the roadway to its new grade and pavement structure. This block is now ready for its final surface. 

Once the contractor has approval to demolish properties along Broadway Street, they will grade the remaining U.S.- 501 relocation, install drainage, pour curbs, gutters and sidewalk all to prepare the pavement structure for final surface.

The current estimated completion date for this project is the Fall of 2026.

SC- 9 East Business Improvements

Improvements are becoming more visible on SC - 9 Business east of Loris. The majority of drainage, curbs, gutters and sidewalk are in place on the inbound lane toward Loris and traffic is relocated to phase two of the project.

The contractor is now working on drainage, curbs, gutters and sidewalk on the lane headed away from Loris. 

The intersection of SC- 9 and SC- 66 will be undergoing lane shifts to new alignment as the roundabout is constructed over the next several months.  

In the coming months, there will also be a traffic signal installed at Heritage Road and SC - 9.

Once all new roadway alignment is constructed, final surface will be installed throughout the entire project.

The current estimated completion date for this project is the Winter of 2025.

Fred Nash Boulevard Extension

The section of Fred Nash Boulevard between Myrtle Beach International Airport and Emory Road received its first lift of surface asphalt and has traffic shifted into its final configuration.

The four-way stop at Emory Road and Fred Nash Boulevard has been converted to a two-way stop with the Fred Nash traffic being the through traffic. 

The round-a-bout on Harrelson Boulevard and Mall Drive will be completed over the next few months. The final asphalt surface for the entire project is anticipated to be installed by the end of October.

Over the next few months, drivers can also expect to see new overhead signs and traffic signals installed on Harrelson Blvd to direct traffic through the round-a-bout accordingly.

The current estimated completion date for this project is the end of 2025. 

Highway 501 Widening from Gardner Lacy Road to SC-544

Construction barrels continue to line Highway 501 as crews work to prepare the busy highway for widening.

The contractor is currently working on storm drain installation. 

Nighttime paving operations are scheduled to begin within the next couple of weeks. Once the work begins, drivers can expect to see these paving operations to continue overnight throughout the end of the year.

Currently, this project has an estimated completion range of Fall of 2026. 

U.S. 701 Widening from SC Hwy. 319 to SC Hwy. 22

Drivers can expect to see more activity along U.S. 701 between SC Hwy. 319 and SC-22 in the near future.

The shoulders for this project are already prepared for construction. The contractor for the clearing contract performed grubbing along the roadway and just recently mowed the shoulders and ditches.

A construction contractor was also selected in early September.

Once proper documentation is completed, a preconstruction meeting will be scheduled before construction begins.

Drivers are asked to remain aware of construction signs as additional work is expected to begin soon.

U.S. 17 Business Intersection Improvements (Garden City)

Efforts to improve four intersections along U.S. 17 in Garden City are progressing.

SCDOT has received bids for construction and work is expected to begin within the next few months at the following intersections:

• U.S. 17 Business @ Inlet Square Mall/Mt. Gilead Road

• U.S. 17 Business @ Atlantic Avenue

• U.S. 17 Business @ Garden City Connector/Pine Avenue

• U.S. 17 Business @ Tadlock Drive

Forestbrook Road

The Forestbrook Road widening project is about to enter the Construction Phase.

Our partners at SCDOT have completed the design and right of way acquisition phases for the 4.51-mile RIDE 3 project.

In December, SCDOT will accept bids for the project's Clearing & Grubbing contract.

Road work is anticipated to begin in Spring of 2026.

The project is expected to be completed in 2029 at an anticipated total cost of $110M.

When completed, Forestbrook Road will feature 5-lanes including a center turn-lane, wider travel lanes for bicyclists, and sidewalks for pedestrians.

The overall objectives for this RIDE-funded project is to increase road capacity, improve the flow of traffic, reduce congestion, strengthen access to other major roadways, and to improve overall safety.

RIDE 3 DIRT ROAD PAVING PROJECTS

A large component of RIDE 3 are the dirt road paving projects. These projects are divided among four groups. At this time, construction is underway on roads in Group 3.

Since the last newsletter, construction wrapped up on both Olin Road and Hufford Road in the Loris area.

Construction is also currently underway on the following roads:

The construction bidding process is also ongoing for Bedford Road in the Nichols area and Birchfield Drive in the Loris area. 

The remaining 14 roads in RIDE 3 Group 3 are either in the design or right of way phases of the construction process.

Surveys and designs have also begun for the first roads included in Group 4.

Want more details on the construction groupings? 

RIDE 4 DIRT ROAD PAVING PROJECTS

RIDE 4 includes the paving of 200 miles of Horry County’s dirt roads from years 2025 through 2040.

During a Horry County Council meeting on September 16, leaders approved a plan to pave these roads in three groups.

Work on Group 1, which includes 40 miles of dirt roads, is expected to run from years 2025 to 2030.

The paving of the 80 miles of roads in Group 2 is set to commence between years 2031 and 2035.

Roads in Group 3, the final stage, totaling 80 additional miles, are expected to be paved from 2036 to 2040.

Some benefits of paving these roads include improved surface quality and durability, improved traffic flow, increased safety and long-term cost efficiency.

INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC HERITAGE PRESERVE WETLAND MITIGATION BANK

On September 17, 2025, Horry County celebrated a major milestone in the effort to preserve the natural wetlands of the area while the County pursues infrastructure improvements.

The Independent Republic Heritage Preserve Wetland Mitigation Bank is a vast natural landscape that sits off International Drive across from the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve.

While Horry County purchased the land in 2018, it was just recently protected by a permanent conservation easement restricting future development and improving the unique Carolina Bay and wet pine savanna ecotypes of the Coastal Plain.

The bank will also provide wetland mitigation credits offsetting any unavoidable impacts associated with future projects included in the RIDE Program.

Environmental restoration work is underway and will continue for the next 7-10 years. This will include, among other activities, the installation of several miles of fire breaks as well as prescribed burns, which will reduce wildfire potential in the surrounding areas.

The objectives of the Wetland Bank are to:

• Re-establish a robust prescribed fire program to the Bank’s relic wet pine savanna communities in order to enhance these fire-dependent communities.

• Reduce the density of the existing shrub/scrub layer on the project site which has proliferated in the absence of prescribed burns (low cover classes).

• Reduce the overstory density to allow for an open understory, promoting the propagation of the herbaceous layer of flora.

• Increase the overall number of species in the herbaceous layer on the project site (species richness).

• Increase the density of desirable herbaceous species on the project site including rare and endemic species (identified in the reference area).

• Management of any invasive species that may be present or may occur in the future on the project site. 

RURAL CIVIC CENTER UPDATE

Planning for Horry County’s proposed Rural Civic Center is advancing to a new stage.

At an I&R Sub-committee meeting September 9, 2025, County leaders reviewed four options for the project’s first phase and voted to move one proposal forward into schematic design.

Phase one envisions an indoor arena, fairground midway, and a covered warm-up facility connected to a 200-stall barn. Future phases are expected to add an expo hall, a National Guard Readiness Center, an emergency response vehicle marshalling area, RV Camping, and both walking and equestrian trails.

The center is planned in the area of Highway 501 and SC- 22 near Conway, on Hardwick Road.



In addition to being used as a staging area for hurricane response, this new venue will become a destination for events of all types including equestrian events and County Fair, serving residents and visitors alike.

FAQ: HOW DO I CHECK THE STATUS OF A RIDE PROJECT?

Horry County's new website — roads.horrycountysc.gov — allows you to track the status of infrastructure projects, including RIDE initiatives.

Use the menu to filter by current or future projects, or search directly from the homepage.



You can find basic project information on the projects table or click on a project for additional details. Each project page features this phase graphic at the bottom for quick updates:

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to tracking project progress.

Upcoming Events & Public Information Meetings

Going forward, as events and public information meetings are scheduled related to infrastructure projects and programs in Horry County, details and any related attachments will be provided in this section.

Carolina Bays Parkway​​ (SC-31) Extension Meetings

• Meetings originally scheduled for Sept. 29 & Sept. 30 are postponed. New dates to be released soon, here.

Meeting details are also available online here.

---

Information about SCDOT public comment and meeting notices for all counties in South Carolina can be found on the SCDOT website.

---

Want to learn more about the history of Horry County's RIDE programs?

Check out the Horry County Roads website or watch the YouTube video below.

Find more about overall Horry County meetings and events on our website.

In addition to Future in Focus, community members and visitors can register to receive the Weekly Update each Friday in your email inbox. Sign up for updates here.

For media inquiries, please contact the Horry County Public Information Office.