News Summary
Myrtle Beach residents should prepare for the closure of International Drive starting on February 25 due to controlled burns by the SCDNR. This closure will affect travel from Highway 90 to Ocean Bay Elementary School, but alternate routes are available. These controlled burns are a proactive measure to manage forest fire risks and promote ecosystem health within the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve. Access to the Horry County Solid Waste Recycling Facility will still be available from Highway 90 during this period.
Attention Myrtle Beach Residents: International Drive Set for Closure
Hey Myrtle Beach! If you’re planning to hit the roads in the next few days, we’ve got some important news for you. Starting Tuesday, February 25, International Drive, running from Highway 90 all the way to Ocean Bay Elementary School, is going to be closed. Yes, you read that right, no trips down this route for a little while!
Why the Closure?
You might be wondering what’s going on. The closure is part of some well-planned controlled burns being conducted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in collaboration with the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The purpose of these controlled burns is to manage the flammable materials on the forest floor, which, in turn, helps to prevent uncontrollable forest fires. It’s a proactive measure to keep our beautiful surroundings safe!
How Long Will It Last?
The burns can take place throughout the week, depending on the weather and smoke conditions. The good news? If the smoke conditions are favorable, they will reopen the road as soon as possible. So, if you’re looking to get back on your favorite route, keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Access During the Closure
Now, if you need to get to the Horry County Solid Waste Recycling Facility, don’t worry! You can still access it, but just from Highway 90. So plan accordingly! It’s always good to have a backup plan when the unexpected pops up.
Finding Alternate Routes
Spending some extra time on the road? You’re definitely not alone! During this closure, you can take alternate routes to get around. Two good options are U.S. Highway 501 and S.C. Highway 22. So whether you’re commuting to work or just taking a leisurely drive, these roads can help you bypass the closures.
About the Burns
For those who may be curious, the controlled burns are taking place in the stunning Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve. This incredible wildlife management area spans over 10,000 acres and plays a key role in the ecosystem. While the purpose of the burns is to prevent wildfires, they also help promote the growth of native plants and habitat improvement for wildlife. So while there’s a closure for a bit, know that it is part of greater efforts to protect our natural habitat.
Plan Your Travel Wisely
As stated by local authorities, it’s best to plan your travel wisely during this week. With the roads being closed and alternative routes in play, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in keeping your travels smooth and hassle-free.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, Myrtle Beach! With International Drive closing for controlled burns starting February 25, be sure to think ahead and plan your travel routes. Stay safe, keep an eye on the weather, and enjoy the beautiful areas our local authorities are working hard to protect. Here’s to hoping those winds blow the right way!
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Controlled Burn
- WMBF News
- Google Search: International Drive closure
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- WPDE News
- Google News: controlled burns Horry County
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
