Could a road extension connect these two Horry County communities? It’s being explored

Since its birth within the claws of Jim Crow America nearly 100 years ago, Atlantic Beach has always been something of a phenomenon.

As a safe haven for Blacks during segregation and its emergence as a cultural hub whose influence went far beyond its four-block radius, the town of less than 400 has managed to remain autonomous despite being surrounded by North Myrtle Beach.

But a regional transportation planning group suggests the time is coming for the communities to link via a small extension that would run from 30th Avenue S. to Wiley Drive.

Town Manager Benjamin Quattlebaum said the idea remains in its infancy, with no timeline or “there are no concrete plans to be voted on,” he said.

Connecting the two communities would alleviate traffic and reduce maintenance costs since the roads are right now under two jurisdictions.

That’s according to the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study, a consortium of policymakers from both Carolinas examining the region’s major needs through 2045.

A 2017 report from the organization listed the Wiley Drive connector as a candidate for new construction projects with an estimated $1.97 million price tag.

Quattlebaum said planners are still in the “due diligence” phase of their work related to possible extension, and he plans to update town leaders on the matter on Oct. 2.

Town council member Jacqueline Gore said she’s unwilling to entertain the idea of connecting Atlantic Beach with its northern neighbor.

“We have never, and we will never, discuss opening up our town to North Myrtle Beach,” Gore said.