Watching fireworks in Myrtle Beach area? Expect traffic snarls. Here’s where to go or avoid
Along with the “ooos” and “ahhs” from the area’s July 4th firework displays, there also will be the “ohs” and “awws” when it comes to the traffic snarls the popular events can create.
Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are expecting a large number of people for their fireworks shows, which means plans should be made when traveling particular roads.
While Myrtle Beach doesn’t have any traffic pattern changes related to its fireworks show at 10 p.m. Tuesday from the Second Avenue Pier, drivers should expect North Ocean Boulevard and surrounding roads, such as Kings Highway, to be busier than usual. That also includes roads near Broadway at the Beach, such as Highway 17, 21st Avenue North, 29th Avenue North and Robert M. Grissom Parkway.
“Broadway at the Beach draws a large crowd for its fireworks show, so expect heavier traffic in that area, both before and after,” said city of Myrtle Beach spokesperson Mark Kruea.
The show at Broadway at the Beach begins at 10 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach’s free Fourth of July fireworks show at the Cherry Grove Pier will begin at 9:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. July 4.
The city has changed its traffic patterns for Tuesday, including closing the 3500 block of North Ocean Boulevard, the area where Cherry Grove is located.
In addition, 300 feet of the beach on both sides of the pier will be closed to the public beginning at 7 p.m. until cleared to open, the city website says. Parking will not be allowed in the median on Ocean Boulevard.
After the fireworks show, police will initiate a reverse traffic pattern in Cherry Grove to accommodate the large number of vehicles that will be leaving the area. That means that Ocean Boulevard traffic will not turn onto Sea Mountain Highway but will move northbound and southbound only.
Other traffic changes:
- Drivers will access Highway 17 North via 11th Avenue North.
- All southbound traffic on Nixon and Duffy streets will make a right-hand turn onto Sea Mountain Highway.
- All eastbound traffic on Sea Mountain Highway will turn right at Duffy Street and proceed to Ocean Boulevard via 22nd Avenue North.
The city of North Myrtle Beach is asking drivers to be patient and exercise caution around the Cherry Grove pier prior to and following the fireworks show.
“It is a very popular event and traffic congestion can be very heavy,” the city wrote on its website.
