The Garden City Streetscape Project is set to begin construction on Tuesday, September 8, aiming to enhance safety and resilience in the Garden City area of Horry County. Crews will commence work near the Georgetown County line, specifically around Cedar Avenue, and proceed northward along South Waccamaw Drive.
This initial phase of the project will involve underground utility and drainage work, necessitating lane closures. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, adhere to posted detours and traffic signs, and be aware of active work zones. Phase 1 of the streetscape improvements will extend along Waccamaw Drive to Magnolia Avenue and along Atlantic Avenue towards the marsh.
Horry County leaders are scheduled to hold an official groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Tuesday, September 29. Further details regarding this event are expected to be released soon by Horry County Government. The project seeks to address infrastructure needs in a popular area of the Grand Strand, which is known for its tourism and residential communities.
The Garden City area, a significant part of the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, experiences high traffic from both residents and visitors. Improvements to infrastructure like those planned for Waccamaw Drive and Atlantic Avenue are crucial for managing the flow of people and supporting the local economy, which heavily relies on tourism and real estate. Horry County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, sees billions in annual residential and commercial construction, making robust infrastructure vital for its continued development.
Residents have expressed interest in the project’s scope, with some inquiring about the potential addition of bike or golf cart lanes along Waccamaw and Atlantic avenues. Concerns have also been raised regarding solutions for channeling water away from streets during King tides, a recurring issue that has led to vehicles being damaged by floodwaters in the past. The project’s duration is another point of interest for the community.
