News Summary
S.C. 90, connecting Conway and North Myrtle Beach, faces increasing congestion as traffic levels rise. Recent reports indicate that capacity on the two-lane highway will be exceeded in the coming years, raising safety concerns for residents. Current daily traffic counts reveal alarming usage, and with ongoing residential development, future projections show continued pressure on this essential route. Plans for a four-lane expansion are in place, but completion will take nearly a decade, leaving local officials and residents concerned about ongoing traffic issues.
Conway, South Carolina — S.C. 90, a vital highway that connects Conway and North Myrtle Beach, is facing significant capacity challenges as traffic continues to increase. A recent report indicates that ongoing improvement projects for S.C. 90 will not be completed for several years, raising concerns among local residents and officials about safety and congestion on this essential thoroughfare.
According to data gathered by the Waccamaw Council of Governments, almost the entire corridor of S.C. 90 is projected to operate beyond its capacity as a two-lane highway in the upcoming future. Specifically, since 2015, the number of daily drivers has more than doubled in several areas, leading to alarming congestion levels, especially during rush hour.
Traffic Statistics and Projections
Current daily vehicle counts reveal significant usage of S.C. 90. Between East Cox Ferry Road and Robert Edge Parkway, approximately 6,750 drivers navigate the highway daily. From the intersection of S.C. 90 and Robert Edge Parkway to U.S. 17, that number increases to about 9,300 drivers. Projections for 2024 indicate that these figures will rise dramatically, with anticipated counts of 14,700 vehicles from East Cox Ferry Road to S.C. 22, 12,800 from S.C. 22 to Robert Edge Parkway, and 12,600 from Robert Edge Parkway to U.S. 17.
Impact of Congestion
The two-lane highway experiences substantial delays, especially during rush hour. Alarmingly, about 30% of vehicles struggle to maintain the speed limits from East Cox Ferry Road to International Drive, with this figure escalating to over 40% for the section from Robert Edge Parkway to U.S. 17. Additionally, traffic congestion often worsens due to accidents or construction, leading to considerable backups and sometimes complete road blockages.
Current Development and Future Plans
The ongoing issues with S.C. 90 are compounded by rapid residential development in the area. In the past decade, 1,602 new homes have been constructed along the highway, contributing to increased traffic flow. Horry County officials have indicated that there are currently 11 major planned developments near S.C. 90, with only one completed, nine in progress, and one yet to begin.
In response to these challenges, Horry County has outlined plans to widen S.C. 90 to a four-lane highway with turn lanes from East Cox Ferry Road to S.C. 17. The improvement project is part of a larger initiative funded by RIDE 4, which allocates a 1% sales tax specifically for road upgrades. The total estimated cost for the S.C. 90 project is projected to reach $750 million, making it the third most expensive undertaking within the RIDE 4 initiative.
Timeline and Next Steps
As of June 18, the completion of the S.C. 90 widening project will take an estimated additional 10 years. Currently, procurement for design and permitting services is underway, but it is important to note that highway projects are multifaceted endeavors requiring several years for design, permitting, utility relocation, and right-of-way acquisition.
All related projects will be designed collaboratively and constructed in phases, with actual construction likely commencing 6-7 years after design work begins. Therefore, the anticipated completion of the S.C. 90 improvement project is not expected until the mid-2030s, though a definitive timeline has not yet been established.
The growing traffic concerns on S.C. 90 raise pressing questions about safety and infrastructure readiness as local development continues to surge. With no immediate solutions on the horizon, residents and officials alike will need to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by the increasing number of vehicles on this essential roadway.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- WPDE: Traffic Crash News
- Google Search: Traffic Congestion South Carolina
- Herald Online: Local Developments
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Improvements
- My Horry News: New Home Developments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway Construction
- The State: Traffic News
- Google News: Horry County Traffic
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.
