I-73 is wrong solution for tourism traffic

I-73 truths:

1) I-73 does not come to Myrtle Beach. It stops north of Conway. All that traffic will follow S.C. 22 some 21 miles to U.S. 17 to the area known as “Restaurant Row,” or traffic will flow down old reliable U.S. 501 to Myrtle Beach, with its accidents, backups, etc. What would have been accomplished?

2) 22,000 permanent and 7,700 temporary jobs generated; now this is a really good one. This 80-mile road surely will not support restaurants, motels, fast food and other businesses. Why would tourists stop here because when their destination is an hour or so away?

3) It is a toll road. How many locals will pay a toll when the free routes offer almost the same travel time?

The most sane solution is I-74 from Lumberton, North Carolina. Complete that interstate to S.C. 31 and use that road, with all of its exits, to all of Myrtle Beach and points south.

This story was originally published July 1, 2017 at 3:10 PM with the headline "I-73 is wrong solution for tourism traffic."