Conway, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Conway is experiencing heavy traffic congestion as visitors flock to downtown for Halloween festivities, resulting in a 46.2% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. City officials have implemented several traffic adjustments and parking solutions to mitigate congestion, including limiting left turns off Main Street and closing certain roads. Local restaurants are seeing a significant boost in business, but are also facing challenges with wait times and resources. The city is considering a trolley system for future events to better manage visitor transport.
Conway is facing significant traffic congestion as it experiences a surge in visitors during the Halloween season. City officials estimate that tens of thousands of visitors attended downtown Conway last weekend, marking a dramatic increase in visitor numbers. Specifically, the number of visitors in downtown Conway is up 46.2% compared to October 2024. The influx has prompted city officials to take immediate action to alleviate traffic issues.
City Councilman William Goldfinch characterized the traffic situation last Saturday as “insane,” highlighting the urgency of the matter during an Oct. 20 council meeting. To manage the congestion, several traffic pattern adjustments have been implemented. From Friday through Sunday, left turns off Main Street will be limited, which is expected to ease the flow of vehicles. Those coming from Loris or the beach must either go right or straight at Main Street. Additional measures include closing traffic on Second Avenue in one direction last weekend, which greatly improved traffic flow in the area.
Parking solutions have also been addressed, with city officials blocking off the City Hall parking lot for non-event staff and accessible parking. This closure is part of a broader strategy to funnel visitors toward less congested routes. Those traveling can use U.S. Highway 501 Bypass to avoid heavy traffic on Main Street, while parking restrictions have been placed on one-half of Fifth Avenue to enable two-way traffic. Non-local traffic on Sixth and Seventh Avenues between Main Street and Laurel Street will also be restricted to further assist with easing congestion.
As a direct result of the traffic issues, some visitors are opting to park a half-mile away at local facilities like the library and museum. To accommodate the increasing demand for parking, additional spaces are being created along Marina Drive.
City officials are now considering a trolley system for next year to help manage visitor transportation during peak Halloween times. The push for better visitor transport comes as local restaurants report a significant uptick in business. Some establishments, such as Crooked Oak Tavern, are currently seating twice as many customers as usual. Despite the increased visitor flow, some restaurants, including Bonfire Taqueria, have experienced up to a two-hour wait time and have run out of food during peak periods, prompting owners to adjust staff and prepare accordingly. Anto’s Pizza has faced similar challenges, often selling out daily and warning customers of “spooky long” wait times outside their restaurant.
As the city embraces its status as the “City of Halloween,” various themed events are being hosted, including the Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Races and a UFO Festival. However, the surge in Halloween-inspired activities has sparked mixed opinions among residents regarding the appropriateness of certain decorations.
While some community members voice concerns about the nature of the Halloween decorations, local business owners generally view the visitor surge as a positive development for the economy, suggesting that the influx of guests should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Summary of Visitors and Traffic Adjustments
In summary, Conway’s Halloween festivities have led to increased visitor traffic, prompting crucial adjustments to traffic management and parking solutions in the downtown area. The city continues to develop strategies to accommodate the growing number of visitors while ensuring both locals and tourists can navigate the streets effectively.
FAQs
What is the current visitor increase in downtown Conway?
Visitor numbers in downtown Conway are up 46.2% compared to October 2024.
What traffic changes have been implemented?
Traffic patterns will be adjusted, including limiting left turns off Main Street from Friday through Sunday.
How are restaurants affected by the visitor surge?
Local restaurants report a dramatic increase in business; Crooked Oak Tavern is seating twice as many customers as usual.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Traffic congestion
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Halloween traffic congestion
- WPDE
- Google Scholar: Halloween festivities and traffic
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Myrtle Beach Online
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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