Myrtle Beach US 501 work set for post-Labor Day push

The downtown US 501 realignment in Myrtle Beach is entering a lighter summer construction phase, with activity expected to increase after Labor Day.

The project is realigning US 501 from the Broadway Street intersection to 7th Avenue North at Oak Street. Horry County’s project description also includes intersection improvements along 7th Avenue North between Oak Street and North Kings Highway, along with sidewalk improvements.

What crews had completed by mid-July

By mid-July, crews had installed initial layers of asphalt on the new roadway and completed storm-drainage improvements, according to The Sun News and WMBF News.

The work is part of Horry County’s RIDE 3 program, with construction managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Horry County lists fall 2026 as the project’s estimated completion period, not a firm completion deadline.

Why visible activity is lighter this summer

Construction activity is expected to be lighter during Myrtle Beach’s busy summer season as crews limit disruptive work around the downtown corridor. Local reporting indicates that work is expected to pick up again after Labor Day.

The quieter summer phase does not mean the project is complete or permanently paused. Roadway, intersection and sidewalk work remain part of the broader realignment, and traffic patterns may continue to change as crews move between construction phases.

Separate utility closures are affecting downtown routes

Downtown drivers and pedestrians are also dealing with disruptions that are separate from the US 501 realignment. City of Myrtle Beach utility work has closed part of North Oak Street from Broadway Street to Mr. Joe White Avenue, along with a section of 10th Avenue North near the Myrtle Beach City Services building.

The July 14 construction update confirmed that the utility-related closures were still affecting downtown routes. Access to the City Services building is available through its new parking lot, and reported route options include 9th Avenue North at Lumber Street or 10th Avenue North at Mr. Joe White Avenue.

Because the utility work and US 501 realignment have different scopes and schedules, readers should not assume every downtown closure is connected to the highway project.

What residents and businesses should watch

Drivers should plan for changing access around the US 501 corridor and nearby downtown streets, particularly as heavier construction activity resumes after Labor Day. Pedestrians, workers and downtown businesses should track which project is responsible for a closure because detours and reopening schedules may differ.

The current update is that the US 501 project remains under construction. Initial asphalt and storm-drainage work had been completed by mid-July, more visible activity is expected after Labor Day, and Horry County’s current outlook points to an estimated fall 2026 completion period.

Sources

• Horry County US 501 Realignment project page
• The Sun News: July 14 US 501 construction update
• WMBF News: Highway 501 alignment project update