MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach residents and businesses are preparing for this weekend’s Bikefest before the traffic pattern on ocean boulevard changes.
Starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, traffic on Ocean Boulevard will only go one way so first responders can use the other lane for emergency calls. The emergency lane on ocean boulevard will stay in place around the clock until Sunday night.
The 23-mile traffic loop will stay in place from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. each night of the holiday weekend.
Some businesses located right next to the emergency lane… say the traffic pattern does not impact them
“The traffic loop for me, in my opinion, is a good thing for us in case any emergency, ems, or anybody has to get by, or we have a fire or something,” said Victor Shamah. “They need that to get by because there are so many people, so many bikes, and so many vehicles on the streets here.”
Here is a map of the 23-mile traffic loop. It runs from 10 at night until 2 a.m. over the holiday weekend.
However, how long the loop is in place each night if at all, will be based on the amount of traffic, officials said.
The North Strand, meanwhile, is getting ready for the busiest weekend in the town of Atlantic Beach. Several beachwear stores already set up tents to sell Bikefest T-shirts.
North Myrtle Beach police also have radar speed signs out to remind drivers to slow down. There will also be some concerts in downtown Atlantic Beach this weekend.
Here are some key points from the City of Myrtle Beach:
- Pedestrian barricades will be placed along Ocean Blvd from 29th Ave N to 29th Ave S to keep pedestrians safe on the sidewalk.
- Beginning Friday, May 24th, at 6 am, all traffic on Ocean Boulevard is one way, southbound, from 29th Ave S to 29th Ave N. This traffic plan will conclude on Monday, May 27th at 6 am.
- Access to Ocean Boulevard begins on Kings Highway at 29th Avenue North, with no access north of that point. Exits from Ocean Boulevard may be permitted at those cross streets with traffic signals on Kings Highway, except from 10pm-2am.
- Emergency Access lanes are blocked for emergency vehicles only at 16th Ave N, 8th Ave N, 6th Ave S and 17th Ave S.
- An extended traffic pattern will be implemented from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ONLY if traffic conditions warrant the use of the pattern. Motorist will be permitted to access Ocean Blvd at 29th Ave N and will not be allowed to get off the Blvd.
- To avoid being in this extended traffic pattern, there are three intersections to remember:
- 29th ave N and Bypass 17—If you do not wish to travel in the pattern, do not turn east on 29th Ave N.
- 29th Ave N and Kings Hwy— If you do not wish to travel in the pattern, do not turn east on 29th Ave N.
- Harrelson and Kings Hwy—All traffic will be diverted west on Kings and motorist will be in this extended pattern. If you do not wish to travel in the pattern, do not travel to Harrelson Blvd and Kings Hwy.
- If you are staying along Ocean Blvd, it is recommended that you park on the west side of the Blvd, especially between the hours of 10 pm- 2 am.
