MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Just a day after crews began work on International Drive, opponents of the project filed a notice of appeal and a motion for stay on Tuesday.

In a Facebook post by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, the group mentioned that county officials allegedly told them about the prospect of new homes being built on the road in the future, a very different image than the pleas for public safety and emergency access argued during the March trial.“This way of governing is short-sighted, ill-advised and ultimately jeopardizes Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve, which is why it is imperative to bring this case before the Court of Appeal in defense of one of the most unique places in Horry County and the whole state,” the SC Law Project said.  

Officials say the paving project will likely take between eight months and a year to finish. Horry County will begin the contracting process with the construction and paving company next, and should publicize the agreement in early October.

“There is the potential that a federal court action could be filed to stop us from paving the road, but again we are willing to take that risk. We have the money in the bank and all the required permits for this project, and we are going to get this road built,” Horry County Chairman Mark Lazarus said Monday.