A bicyclist rides down the sidewalk along Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to add pedestrian crosswalks, bicycle lane markings and additional safety improvements to the roadway after many accidents have occurred along the busy corridor. October 11, 2022.
JASON LEE
JASON LEE
Two major roads in Myrtle Beach will get some significant safety upgrades next year, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
A project was announced earlier this month to give Mr. Joe White Avenue and 21st Avenue North a $3 million safety overhaul, with bicycle lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, and crossing signals.
Timeline of construction on Mr. Joe White Avenue and 21st Avenue North
Plans are expected to be complete in spring 2023, and construction to start the following fall, beginning at each roadway’s intersection with US 17. The construction will take about 10 months and end at each roadway’s intersection with US 17 Bus, according to SCDOT.
The $3 million safety overhaul of Mr. Joe White Avenue and 21st Avenue North will begin construction in the Fall of 2023. South Carolina Department of Transportation
What safety improvements are coming to the two roadways?
SCDOT stated that the two roadways were chosen for safety improvements due to a high crash rate or pattern, after the state department hired local engineers to conduct road safety audits.
The two experienced a combined total of 936 vehicular, 26 bicycle, and 17 pedestrian crashes from 2013 to 2020., according to the website. Three crashes involved a fatality and 299 crashes caused injury.
Here are the key safety elements proposed for the safety projects:
High Visibility Crosswalks
Pedestrian Crossings with Refuge Islands
ADA Ramps
Leading Pedestrian Intervals
Countdown Signal Heads
New Pavement Markings
Retroreflective Backplates
Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal Heads
Bicycle Lane Signs and Markings
Here’s an example of where the safety elements would be.
South Carolina Department of Transportation
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Myrtle Beach Train Depot from 5-7 p.m. and will have “a drop-in type format with displays for viewing,” according to the SCDOT website. Residents will have the opportunity to provide written comments.
You can submit a comment about the project by either leaving it in a comment box during the meeting, or by mailing or emailing your comment by Oct. 28.
