Teen’s death renews push to fix safety, traffic along SC 90. What’s being done
.jpeg)
The death of a 15-year-old student has sparked renewed conversations about a busy intersection along Highway 90 in the Conway area.
Ava Holland was attempting to turn left onto Highway 90 from the S.C. 22 exit ramp when she was struck by another vehicle. The 15-year-old, who was heading to school the morning of Feb. 4, died from her injuries, more than two weeks after the crash.
Now, a petition with more than 3,000 signatures, including those of Horry County officials, is asking for a traffic light to be installed at the busy intersection to help alleviate the traffic back up and danger of turning onto Highway 90.
The congestion along Highway 90 has long been a discussion among residents and county leaders. Currently, about 15,000 vehicles travel the roadway daily.
The crash that involved Holland occurred at the intersection of the exit ramp from Highway 22 and Highway 90. Drivers can either turn left or right at the intersection. Because of the busyness of Highway 90, oftentimes the exit ramp becomes backed up with vehicles depending on the time of day.
Suggestions to place traffic lights at several points along Highway 90, including at the on and off ramps for S.C. 22, have been part of Horry County traffic studies.
Kelly Moore, spokesperson with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, said the state has not received any requests for a traffic signal at that intersection. However, Horry County has had conversations of placing one there through the Ride IV program, Moore said.
Ride IV is a special use 1% tax that will collect money for a lengthy list of road projects to be completed that was approved by voters in 2024.
If it is decided to place a traffic light at the intersection, Moore said the SCDOT doesn’t have objections and would work closely with county leaders to have it installed.
Widening and improvements are planned for the Highway 90 corridor, according to Thomas Bell, Horry County director of public information. The project, which is part of Ride IV, is currently in the design phase, he said.
While Bell would not give what specific improvements will be made, he said that “folks will see progress and changes to Highway 90 corridor once the design phase is complete.”
Memorials pour in for young woman
Holland was heading to Atlantic Collegiate Academy where she was a sophomore and a member of the Coast United Volleyball team.
The new charter school is located at 5086 Bear Bluff Road off of Highway 90.
The crash happened at 7:51 a.m. Feb. 4 at the S.C. 90 and S.C. 22 exit ramp, according to an email from Master Trooper Joseph Rowell with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The Myrtle Beach woman was hit by another vehicle as she attempted to make a turn, police said.
Memorials and memories about the young woman have poured in on social media after the accident and her death.
She has been described by many as kind and selfless.
A phone number for Holland’s parents could not be found.
Holland’s mother, Angie, posted on social media that “while our hearts are broken, Ava’s mission of kindness is just beginning. Sharing Hope has officially begun the process of matching Ava with the individuals whose lives she is about to save.”
Holland’s organs were donated, helping to save the lives of eight other people.
The family is planning a celebration of life for family, friends and teammates from 4 to 6 p.m. March 5 at the Hangout at Broadway at the Beach, 1181 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 1:43 PM.
