Myrtle Beach, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The opening of Discovery School Myrtle Beach has caused severe traffic congestion along Highway 90, with travel times increasing from 5-7 minutes to as long as 45 minutes during drop-off and pick-up hours. Residents and local officials are raising concerns about the impact of the school’s location on traffic flow. In response, SCDOT is adjusting traffic light timers to alleviate the issues, while school administration has successfully reduced dismissal times. Community members are hopeful for an improvement as the school year progresses.
Traffic Chaos Erupts Near Discovery School Myrtle Beach as New Academic Year Begins
My Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The opening of Discovery School Myrtle Beach along Highway 90 has created significant traffic congestion for local residents as the new academic year kicks off. Officials and community members are voicing concerns about the ongoing delays, particularly during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
Local residents have reported that what was once a quick drive of 5 to 7 minutes has now turned into a frustrating 40-minute ordeal. This increase in travel time has raised alarms among parents and neighbors. Concerns have been amplified by the challenges of maneuvering through crowded conditions, where vehicles spend several minutes waiting to turn onto the shoulder of the road.
One local resident stated that a previously straightforward five-minute journey has now expanded to up to 45 minutes. This significant increase in travel time has prompted discussions about the planning and location of the school, which some believe is not ideal given its position near a curve on Highway 90.
In response to these issues, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has begun to adjust traffic light timers near the school and at the intersection with International Drive. These efforts aim to ease congestion during peak hours. SCDOT representatives indicated that traffic patterns typically stabilize after the first few weeks of the school year as families establish new routines.
Communication between residents, local officials, and the SCDOT has been ongoing. State Representative Kevin Hardee has received numerous complaints regarding the traffic situation and is actively working with SCDOT to explore viable solutions. Both school administration and local authorities express confidence that these adjustments will help alleviate the traffic congestion soon.
Administrators for Discovery School report that they have taken steps to improve the situation, highlighting that they have successfully reduced dismissal times by an hour. The school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade and emphasizes the importance of safety for all children amid these traffic challenges.
Local community members continue to watch the situation closely, and many remain hopeful that the ongoing adjustments and improvements by SCDOT will lead to smoother traffic flow in the days ahead.
Key Details
- Location: Discovery School Myrtle Beach, Highway 90 near Conway
- Impact: Travel times increased from 5-7 minutes to 40-45 minutes
- Steps Taken: Adjustments to traffic light timers by SCDOT
- Local Involvement: Communication between residents, officials, and SCDOT
- School Information: Serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade
- Expected Outcomes: Smoother traffic flow as routines stabilize
Background
The opening of Discovery School Myrtle Beach is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities in the area. However, the influx of traffic has brought to light concerns regarding infrastructure and readiness to accommodate a new wave of students and parents. The school year typically sees heightened traffic on school routes, and this year has proven particularly challenging, underscoring the need for comprehensive traffic management solutions in growing suburban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are being taken to alleviate traffic near Discovery School?
How has traffic been affected since the school opened?
Travel times near the school have increased significantly, with drives that used to take only minutes now stretching to 40 minutes or more in some cases.
What has the South Carolina Department of Transportation done to address the situation?
SCDOT is adjusting traffic light timers near the school to help facilitate smoother traffic flow during peak hours.
Will traffic improve as the school year progresses?
Yes, typically traffic dynamics change after the first few weeks of school as families establish their routine, and local officials are hopeful for improvements in traffic flow soon.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Opening | Discovery School Myrtle Beach opened this academic year |
| Traffic Impact | Severe traffic congestion experienced by parents and residents |
| Travel Time Change | Increased from a typical 5-7 minutes to up to 40-45 minutes |
| SCDOT Actions | Adjusting traffic light timers to ease congestion |
| School Administration Response | Reported reductions in dismissal time and safety measures in place |
| Future Expectations | Traffic expected to improve as school routines are established |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Wreck on Highway 22
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Traffic Update
- Google Search: Traffic issues in Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Traffic Issues near Discovery School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Count On 2: Sinkhole Incident
- Google News: Myrtle Beach 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.
