The South Carolina Department of Transportation reports more than 65 roads are closed in Horry County because of flooding.
Many people have expressed concern and confusion over the closures and finding alternate routes.
If you’re not expecting to drive up to road barriers, they can be alarming. Try to make sure you have some alternate routes planned for your daily commute.
A big problem Horry County is seeing is that there are limited roads that cross the Waccamaw River, which is experiencing potentially record-breaking flooding.
One of those crossings is Highway 501 Bypass, which is completely closed off Northbound while SCDOT works on flood prevention there.
You can take 501 Business, but that route can back up in bumper-to-bumper traffic during certain times of the day.
As an alternate, take Highway 31 to Highway 22 and then continue on Highway 501 North.
“It’s kind of scary,” Hannah Gerald said. “I’m kind of wondering, am I gonna run into any water? I don’t wanna drive anywhere that I might.”
Gerald lives in Conway, but her husband is a preacher at a church in Loris.
“We usually take highway 905 to get there, and that’s gonna be big problem,” she said.
Normally Gerald could have taken Highway 701, but sections of 701 are closed. Her next option is to take Highway 90 to Highway 22.
But roads are constantly changing this week, so that’s why it’s best to check the maps every morning before your commute.
You can download the WBTW app, scroll around the traffic map, and zoom in for locations of blocked roads. The red zones are areas that are blocked off.
“You know, it’s a little different having to re-route, but I just allow more time in the mornings and just kind of be patient,” Andrea Skipper, who works in downtown Conway, said. “Because we’re all in this boat together.”
More information on road conditions in South Carolina can be found on SCDOT’s website.
