Myrtle Beach, SC, February 6, 2026
Ongoing roadwork on Hemingway Chapel Road in Horry County due to stormwater improvements poses challenges for local businesses, extending the timeline of disruptions. Despite these delays, the project aims to enhance infrastructure, vital for community resilience and support of Myrtle Beach entrepreneurs. The balance between immediate inconveniences and long-term benefits highlights the determination of local businesses to adapt and thrive amidst necessary developments.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is causing road closures on Hemingway Chapel Road?
Horry County is conducting a vital stormwater improvement project on Hemingway Chapel Road to upgrade drainage capabilities and reduce flooding for local homes.
When is Hemingway Chapel Road expected to reopen?
Originally planned to reopen by February 9, 2026, the road closure has been extended until Friday, February 20, 2026, due to recent winter weather conditions.
Why is this construction project important for the community?
This project is crucial for replacing undersized pipes, significantly reducing flooding upstream, and is part of a broader county and state strategy to enhance flood resilience and protect homes and businesses.
How does this roadwork affect local businesses?
While providing long-term benefits, the temporary road closure can challenge local businesses by affecting customer access and supply chains, testing their resilience and adaptability.
Who is funding these infrastructure improvements?
Secure funding for this specific project comes from a nearly $5.5 million grant via the State-level Rural Infrastructure Authority, as part of broader state and federal infrastructure investment initiatives.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Roadwork Delays Test Resilience of Local Businesses
The ongoing stormwater improvement project on Hemingway Chapel Road in Horry County faces an extended timeline due to recent winter weather, prompting a closer look at how infrastructure development, while essential for long-term growth, can temporarily challenge the agility and determination of local businesses. This situation highlights the critical balance between necessary public works and supporting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that drives the Myrtle Beach SC business community.
Horry County’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure is a testament to forward-thinking governance, aiming to protect homes and foster sustainable economic environments. Such strategic investments are vital for bolstering community resilience and securing a robust future for South Carolina entrepreneurs. While temporary inconveniences like road closures can test the resolve of local enterprises, they also underscore the importance of adaptable business strategies and a supportive community network.
Hemingway Chapel Road: A Necessary Extension
A significant stormwater improvement project is underway on Hemingway Chapel Road in the Conway area of Horry County, specifically affecting the stretch between Rasberry Lane and Augustus Drive. The road closure, which began on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was initially expected to conclude by February 9, 2026. However, recent winter weather conditions in the region have necessitated an extension of this closure. Horry County Council previously declared a Local State of Emergency for a winter storm, with government offices experiencing delayed openings or closures around February 2-3, 2026, due to anticipated refreezing and ice hazards. Consequently, current detours for the Hemingway Chapel Road project are now expected to remain in place until Friday, February 20, 2026, as crews diligently work towards an earlier reopening.
This project is crucial for upgrading the area’s drainage capabilities. It involves replacing an existing undersized concrete pipe with three new 48-inch concrete pipes and one new 36-inch concrete pipe. These improvements are designed to significantly reduce flooding upstream of Hemingway Chapel Road and lessen the impact of major storm events on approximately 10 homes in the vicinity.
Investing in Flood Resilience for a Stronger Horry County
The Hemingway Chapel Road stormwater initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance flood resilience across Horry County. This particular project is one of five drainage initiatives within the county that have received funding through a nearly $5.5 million grant from the State-level Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). The purpose of these infrastructure investments aligns with efforts by organizations like the Horry County Rising Forum, which aims to empower residents to protect their families, homes, and neighborhoods from flooding.
Looking beyond the current project, Horry County’s Stormwater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) made substantial progress in 2025 on various drainage and flood mitigation efforts. Plans for 2026 include additional key projects, such as preliminary work along Highway 9 and within the Colonial Charters corridor, which are also supported by grants from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. These systematic upgrades are vital for safeguarding community assets and ensuring the long-term viability of the Myrtle Beach small business landscape by mitigating the disruptive effects of severe weather. The South Carolina Office of Resilience notes that public infrastructure projects funded through programs like CDBG-MIT aim to reduce future flood risks, encouraging nature-based solutions.
State-Level Commitment to Infrastructure and Economic Growth
South Carolina has demonstrated a robust commitment to improving its infrastructure, recognizing its profound impact on economic vitality. The State-level Infrastructure Investment Program, utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the South Carolina General Assembly, has invested $1.469 billion across 219 projects Statewide. These comprehensive investments in water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure are already contributing to the state’s economic growth, with a recent study projecting the creation of over 275,000 jobs and $54 billion in economic output over a seven-year period from FY 2021 to FY 2027.
Further demonstrating this commitment, in early February 2026, nearly $150 million in funding was secured for various infrastructure and workplace development projects across South Carolina, following the passage of the third Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package. The State-level Rural Infrastructure Authority plays a significant role in this by offering grants to develop reliable infrastructure Statewide, which in turn supports economic development, creates and retains jobs, and attracts further investment crucial for long-term community sustainability. These statewide initiatives underpin the local efforts seen in Horry County, creating a supportive environment for Myrtle Beach SC business and growth. The state’s intended outcomes for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) include infrastructure investments and strengthening local community resilience. Moreover, investments in water and sewer infrastructure and improvements to stormwater systems are aimed at protecting homes and businesses.
Cultivating Small Business Resilience Amidst Development
While essential infrastructure projects like the one on Hemingway Chapel Road bring long-term benefits, temporary disruptions can pose challenges for local businesses. Small businesses, in particular, are the backbone of the economy, employing nearly half of the American workforce Nationwide and contributing approximately 43.5% of the Nationwide Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These enterprises often serve as vital community hubs, providing essential goods and services and frequently acting as “first responders” in the immediate aftermath of extreme weather events.
The impact of road closures, even temporary ones, can affect customer access and supply chains, testing the resilience of these entrepreneurs. However, this also presents an opportunity for innovative solutions and community support. Integrating small business resilience into capital planning and hazard mitigation strategies is increasingly recognized as critical for ensuring that local economies can continue to operate and recover swiftly when disruptions occur. By focusing on adaptability and leveraging community engagement, South Carolina entrepreneurs can navigate such challenges, demonstrating their enduring spirit and commitment to the local economy.
Key Features of the Hemingway Chapel Road Stormwater Project
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Project Location | Hemingway Chapel Road, between Rasberry Lane and Augustus Drive | Horry County, SC |
| Project Type | Stormwater Improvement Project | Horry County, SC |
| Initial Closure Date | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | Horry County, SC |
| Initial Reopening Expectation | February 9, 2026 | Horry County, SC |
| Extended Closure Expectation | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Horry County, SC |
| Reason for Extension | Recent winter weather (refreezing, ice hazards) | Horry County, SC |
| Project Scope | Replacing an undersized concrete pipe with three new 48-inch and one new 36-inch concrete pipes | Horry County, SC |
| Project Objective | Alleviate upstream flooding, mitigate flood impacts on approximately 10 homes | Horry County, SC |
| Funding Source | Nearly $5.5 million grant through the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) | State-level |
Conclusion
The temporary extension of the Hemingway Chapel Road closure underscores the dynamic nature of infrastructure development, particularly in a region prone to varied weather conditions. While presenting immediate challenges, these projects are foundational for creating a more resilient Horry County, safeguarding communities, and fostering a stable environment for Myrtle Beach businesses to thrive. Strategic investments, supported by both local and State-level funding, are crucial for long-term economic prosperity and protecting the achievements of South Carolina entrepreneurs.
It is through sustained investment in vital infrastructure and the adaptable spirit of our local businesses that our community continues to grow and prosper. We encourage residents to stay informed about local developments and to continue supporting the small businesses that form the bedrock of our economy during these periods of necessary improvement. Engagement and cooperation ensure that Horry County remains a vibrant and resilient place for all.
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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.
