This N. Myrtle Beach swing bridge may change its opening schedule. How to give your opinion

A proposed change in operations for the Little River Swing Bridge could impact traffic for drivers and boaters in the north end of the Grand Strand. As the trial period for a proposed traffic flow improvement plan nears its end, the Coast Guard is seeking public input.

Built in the 1930s and renovated in 2005, the Little River Swing Bridge typically opens for boats on demand. But in May the Coast Guard introduced a temporary traffic deviation plan restricting bridge openings during peak travel times after a request from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to reduce traffic congestion.

“The on demand openings are causing excessive vehicle congestion during designated rush hour periods,” the Coast Guard’s notice of proposed rulemaking says. “The Coast Guard is proposing to limit swing bridge openings during high vehicle traffic times to assist with vehicle congestion while requesting state and local agencies consider alternate mitigation measures to improve traffic flow and roadway congestion.”

Under the temporary schedule, the Little River Swing Bridge opens on the hour and half hour from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., except on federal holidays. All other times, the bridge still opens on demand to marine traffic.

But the experimental schedule is set to expire on Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Before the trial runs out, the Coast Guard is seeking comment from the public.

“We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period,” says the Coast Guard notice.

After unsuccessfully soliciting feedback over the summer — no comments were submitted — the Coast Guard is reopening the comment period through Oct. 9. The public can voice their support or opposition for the proposed change online at regulations.gov.