$20 million RIDE 3 Middle Ridge Avenue expansion project completed

Jackie LiBrizzi
·2 min read

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Wednesday marked the grand opening for the new Middle Ridge Avenue Expansion, completing another RIDE 3 project.

Horry County Officials, RIDE program leaders, and contractors gathered to ‘uncover’ the new road along with residents. The ceremony took place at the intersection of Middle Ridge Avenue and Myrtle Ridge Drive.

Following the ceremony, there was a barricade removal, and project team members took the ‘first ride’ of the new route.

Myrtle Beach resident, Bryant Scott, said during business hours, trying to get onto Highway 501 in either direction is almost impossible.

The RIDE 3 program project included the installation of two roundabouts and additional lighting, with the hopes to help traffic flow and safety.

“Before this roundabout,” Scott said. “You’d have an accident weekly and then getting onto 501, people will run the redlight while some are making a right turn, causing another one.”

The Middle Ridge Avenue extension creates an alternative route, parallel to highway 501.

Assistant County Administrator in the I&R division, David Gilreath, said since the road is complete, their vision is completed.

“You will be able to move around highway 501, about highway 501,” Gilreath said. “Without having to get on highway 501, that helps the folks that live around here but it also helps the tourists and the folks that have to pass through here.”

This extension is approximately 3 miles in length and cost around $20 million. Palmetto Corp of Conway were the handlers of this project.

One of the project managers, Randy Calhoun, said the construction took about 24 months to complete.

“Throughout the duration of this project, we have witnessed power, teamwork, dedication, perseverance, from the engineers to the designers, plan every detail for the skilled labors who bravely brought those plans to fruition.”

Calhoun said together, they have paved the way for a brighter and more connected future.

Count on News 13 for updates.

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Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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