North Myrtle Beach, January 5, 2026
North Myrtle Beach is set to undergo essential traffic adjustments for infrastructure projects beginning January 5. Residents should prepare for lane reductions on Barefoot Bridge and closures on Windy Hill Road as maintenance work begins on the barefoot bridge and the Water Transmission Line project. These upgrades aim to enhance community health and efficiency despite temporary disruptions to daily commutes and local businesses.
North Myrtle Beach
Navigate North Myrtle Beach: Barefoot Bridge Maintenance & Traffic Updates
Beginning January 5, 2026, residents and businesses in North Myrtle Beach should prepare for traffic adjustments as crucial infrastructure projects get underway. This includes the annual maintenance on the Barefoot Bridge and significant progress on the 30-inch Water Transmission Line project, both vital for our community’s long-term health and efficiency.
The spirit of enterprise and community resilience is often tested by necessary public works, and North Myrtle Beach is no exception. While temporary disruptions may pose challenges for daily commutes and local commerce, these efforts underscore a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the foundational elements that support our vibrant economy and quality of life. The proactive steps taken by the City of North Myrtle Beach to address these needs reflect a responsible approach to public asset management, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational and safe for everyone.
Barefoot Bridge: Essential Yearly Upkeep
The Barefoot Bridge, a key artery in North Myrtle Beach, is scheduled for its yearly maintenance starting Monday, January 5, 2026. Crews will implement traffic control measures to facilitate the upcoming work. This routine upkeep is essential to ensure the bridge’s continued safety and functionality, serving as a reminder of the constant investment required to maintain the infrastructure that supports local businesses and residents.
During this period, traffic on the Barefoot Bridge will be reduced to one lane. This lane reduction is anticipated to remain in effect throughout the month of January, with delays expected, particularly during peak travel times. The City of North Myrtle Beach encourages everyone in the Barefoot area, including residents, visitors, and local businesses, to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution in the work zone.
Concurrent Water Transmission Line Project
Adding to the anticipated traffic changes, a separate but equally important project—the 30-inch Water Transmission Line—will also see significant activity starting January 5, 2026. The contractor for this project will install traffic control devices to close both lanes of Windy Hill Road between Highway 17 South and Poinsett Street. Additionally, the inbound lane of Windy Hill Road Extension will be closed from Highway 17 South to the rear driveway of Walgreens.
These closures are necessary to allow crews to set up equipment for boring and drilling the new water line beneath Highway 17 South. This work is projected to be completed, and all affected roads reopened, by January 16, 2026. This infrastructure upgrade is part of a larger effort to enhance the resiliency and reliability of the city’s public water system, a testament to strategic public investment in essential services.
Navigating Delays: A Community Approach
For small businesses and entrepreneurs in the North Myrtle Beach area, these temporary traffic adjustments require adaptability and careful planning. The ability to pivot and find solutions, such as adjusting delivery schedules or communicating proactively with customers, highlights the resilience inherent in our local business community. While these projects may present logistical challenges, they also underscore the importance of robust public infrastructure in fostering a thriving economic environment. Efficient transportation routes and reliable utilities are not merely conveniences; they are cornerstones for economic growth and stability.
Long-Term Benefits and Economic Foresight
The annual maintenance of the Barefoot Bridge and the ongoing Water Transmission Line project are prime examples of necessary public investments that contribute to the long-term economic health of North Myrtle Beach. By ensuring the longevity and efficiency of critical infrastructure, the city supports the seamless flow of commerce and the daily lives of its citizens. These strategic investments, often funded through careful fiscal management and state-level support like the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, are crucial for future prosperity and for attracting further private investment in the region.
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
The City of North Myrtle Beach is committed to keeping residents and visitors informed, emphasizing the public’s patience and cooperation during these essential works. Regular updates will be provided as the projects progress. To minimize disruption, drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and remain vigilant in work zones. Planning routes in advance, especially during peak hours, can significantly ease congestion and contribute to a smoother experience for everyone on the road. This collaborative approach between public works and an informed citizenry is vital for navigating temporary inconveniences for long-term community benefits.
Conclusion
The upcoming maintenance on the Barefoot Bridge and the concurrent work on the Water Transmission Line represent vital investments in North Myrtle Beach’s future. While these projects may introduce temporary traffic delays, they are indispensable for enhancing our community’s infrastructure, ensuring long-term safety, and supporting sustained economic growth. By embracing an attitude of preparedness and cooperation, residents and businesses can navigate these changes effectively, demonstrating the enduring resilience that defines our corner of the Grand Strand. We encourage all residents and visitors to stay informed about traffic updates and to continue supporting our local businesses, which are the heartbeat of the North Myrtle Beach economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is causing traffic delays in North Myrtle Beach starting January 5, 2026?
- Traffic delays in North Myrtle Beach are expected starting January 5, 2026, due to yearly maintenance on the Barefoot Bridge and work on the 30-inch Water Transmission Line project.
- When will the Barefoot Bridge maintenance begin?
- The Barefoot Bridge maintenance will begin on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- What traffic changes can be expected on the Barefoot Bridge?
- Traffic on the Barefoot Bridge will be reduced to one lane, and delays are anticipated, particularly during peak travel times.
- How long is the Barefoot Bridge lane reduction expected to last?
- The lane reduction on the Barefoot Bridge is expected to remain in place throughout the month of January.
- What is the 30-inch Water Transmission Line project?
- The 30-inch Water Transmission Line project is an infrastructure upgrade that will involve road closures to install a new water line, enhancing the city’s public water system.
- Which roads will be affected by the Water Transmission Line project?
- Both lanes of Windy Hill Road between Highway 17 South and Poinsett Street will be closed, and the inbound lane of Windy Hill Road Extension will be closed from Highway 17 South to the rear driveway of Walgreens.
- When are the roads for the Water Transmission Line project expected to reopen?
- Work is expected to be completed and all roads reopened by January 16, 2026.
- What is the purpose of these infrastructure projects?
- The projects are for essential yearly maintenance of the Barefoot Bridge and to increase the resiliency and reliability of the city’s public water system.
Key Project Features
| Project Name | Start Date | Expected Duration/Completion | Nature of Work | Traffic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barefoot Bridge Yearly Maintenance | January 5, 2026 (Monday) | Throughout January 2026 | Routine maintenance for bridge safety and functionality | Traffic reduced to one lane; delays anticipated, especially at peak times. |
| 30-inch Water Transmission Line Project | January 5, 2026 (Monday) | By January 16, 2026 | Installation of new water line under Highway 17 South | Closure of both lanes of Windy Hill Road between Highway 17 South and Poinsett Street; closure of inbound lane of Windy Hill Road Extension from Highway 17 South to Walgreens rear driveway. |
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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.
