There were major traffic tie-ups from US 501 on George Bishop Parkway and Harrelson Blvd. on Friday night and into Saturday morning
Nearing 2 am, traffic was still backed up on US 501 heading into Myrtle Beach at George Bishop Parkway. Just after midnight, a crash with injuries was reported in the 200 block of George Bishop Parkway near the old Hard Rock Park, according to the SC Highway Patrol.
Traffic data indicated that there was stand-still traffic on a stretch from 501 to George Bishop Parkway on to Harrelson Blvd. and then to Grissom Parkway during the time a special “traffic loop” was in effect.
Many motorists were cutting through Coastal Grand Mall’s parking lots to avoid traffic around 12:30 pm.
According to officials at the Horry County Joint Information Center, there are 17 troopers from the SC Highway Patrol handling traffic in the area of Fantasy Harbor Blvd. and George Bishop Parkway.
From 10 pm to 2 am this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday a special traffic pattern loop is in effect, which is supposed to keep motorcycle traffic flowing from 501 to SC 31.
However, officials said that vehicles, including motorcycles, are able skip SC 31 and to continue towards Conway on 501 and possibly turnaround – then come back into the Myrtle Beach area on US 501.
