Expect traffic delays on this Myrtle Beach road. What police are doing for beach season

Emalyn Muzzy
·2 min read

The Myrtle Beach area has already seen an influx of tourists for spring break, including families and college students.

With the start of tourist season, local police have begun preparations for the thousands of people who will make their way to the Grand Strand.

That includes Myrtle Beach’s plan to implement what has been a controversial traffic control tactic and North Myrtle Beach’s efforts to clamp down on parties.

Here’s what you can expect:

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach will close parts of Ocean Boulevard near the boardwalk as part of its Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan, said Myrtle Beach Police Cpl. Chris Starling in an email.

This is also referred to as “flushing” and first began in Myrtle Beach in 2023, Starling said. This has become a controversial plan given how congested traffic gets on Ocean Boulevard during the tourist season.

From 9th Avenue North to 16th Avenue North, the northbound lane of North Ocean Boulevard will be closed to the public. North Ocean Boulevard from 8th to 9th Avenue will be closed entirely. Closures will last from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday and Saturday.

This traffic pattern began on March 8 and will continue through the summer.

Myrtle Beach Police Cpl. Chris Starling said the program can help with response time for first responders and give police officers more visibility.

The influx of visitors to hotels along Ocean Boulevard can make it difficult to drive down the road during beach season. The speed limit is now 25 mph for the entire street. With the lane closure, high volume of cars and slower speed limit, motorists can expect traffic delays and potential traffic backup.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach Police Spokesman Pat Wilkinson said the department is increasing the presence of its alcohol enforcement team. He said police tend to get more service calls starting this time of year.

The alcohol enforcement team works to stop underage drinking and stop large parties among other duties, Wilkinson said.

Many of these large parties can be seen during Black Bike Week, which occurs over Memorial Day Weekend. Those here for the event often throw large house parties that brings hundreds or people and can spill into the streets.

Police also work with bars and stores to help spot fake IDs, Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson said police are not trying to arrest as many underage drinkers as possible but want to educate and counsel minors.

“We want people to come here and have fun,” Wilkinson said. “I’m glad people see it as a safe place and we want to keep it that way.”