Public Concerns Grow Over Carolina Bays Parkway Extension

Sunset Beach, N.C., October 25, 2025

News Summary

Residents of Sunset Beach, N.C. have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed extension of the Carolina Bays Parkway. At a recent public hearing, hundreds gathered to voice objections about potential displacement and impacts on local businesses. The extension, designed to improve travel efficiency between Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC, is proposed to span nearly 20 miles. Key issues include increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and ecological damage, with seven alternate routes currently under consideration and public comment accepted until November 21st.

Sunset Beach, N.C. – A proposed extension of the Carolina Bays Parkway is drawing significant public concern, as several hundred residents gathered at a public hearing at the Sea Trail Convention Center to voice their objections. The extension aims to create a more efficient travel route between Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC, but many attendees expressed apprehension over potential displacement and the negative impacts on local businesses and properties.

The proposed extension is expected to span nearly 20 miles, beginning from SC-9 in Horry County, SC, and extending to US-17 in Brunswick County, NC, near Shallotte. Key issues raised by residents included fears of increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, ecological damage, and high costs associated with the new roadway.

According to Trevor Carroll from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the objective of the Carolina Bays Parkway extension is to establish a well-connected and efficient route between North and South Carolina. While there is a shared belief that a new route is necessary to ease the congestion currently experienced on Highway 17, residents are divided on the routing options available.

Seven alternative paths are being considered for the extension, with Alternate 4 currently designated as the preferred route. This route is designed to redirect traffic around Highway 17, merging back at Seaside Road; however, residents argue that this could negatively impact local businesses in the vicinity.

One resident, Richard Capobianco, expressed his personal distress as his property is located between two proposed routes. The potential for destruction and displacement has caused significant concern among those directly affected by the project.

Many residents are also worried about the risk of overdevelopment and ongoing traffic congestion, drawing comparisons to Cape Cod’s experience with unchecked growth despite new infrastructure. The total estimated cost for the Carolina Bays Parkway extension project is approximately $800 million, with North Carolina responsible for a substantial portion of over $600 million.

Construction for the project is anticipated to commence in South Carolina in 2029, with the start date for the North Carolina segment yet to be determined. Public feedback continues to be encouraged, with comments accepted until November 21st, in order to inform the selection of the least environmentally impactful routing option.

Key Facts of the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Project

• Proposed route spans nearly 20 miles from SC-9 to US-17.
• Estimated project cost is approximately $800 million.
• Major funding responsibility falls to North Carolina, exceeding $600 million.
• Construction anticipated to begin in South Carolina in 2029.
• Public comments accepted until November 21st.
• Seven alternative routes under consideration, with Alternate 4 as the current favorite.

FAQ

Chart: Key Features of Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Project

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• WECT: Carolina Bays Extension Sparks Strong Opposition
• WWAY: NCDOT Hearing on Carolina Bays Extension Project
• News Argus: Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Hearings Rescheduled
• Horry County Government: New Public Hearing Dates Set
• Wikipedia: Carolina Bays

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.