Want to avoid the most July 4th traffic in Myrtle Beach this year? Stay off these roads

Every year Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand see a massive influx of visitors for the Fourth of July. This year, that crowd could be even bigger.

Travel website Booking.com used search data to identify top July Fourth travel destinations. With a 30% year-over-year increase in searches, Myrtle Beach ranked among the top trending domestic destinations for the Fourth of July.

With locals and tourists alike out to eat, drink and enjoy the beach, traffic will be busy. Here are the areas you should watch out for if you’ll be out on the roads this July 4th.

What the city says

Currently Myrtle Beach has no plans to close any roads, according to Myrtle Beach Police Department public information officer Randolph Angotti. However, that could change if roads get too crowded.

“There are no plans to close any roadways, but if traffic conditions make it necessary for public safety, we have plans in place to relieve traffic congestion in accordance with the traffic congestion management ordinance,” Angotti said.

If the city does decide to take measures to alleviate traffic, here’s what that ordinance allows:

• Diversion from the congested segments of roads

• Closure of lane(s) until the congestion in the identified segment is eased

• Compelled use of alternate routes

• Closure of traffic corridors to all vehicles

Roads you may want to avoid

The busiest roads in the Myrtle Beach area will be especially crowded over the holiday. If you’re avoiding traffic, you might want to stay off:

• Ocean Boulevard

• Kings Highway

• South Carolina Highway 9

• U.S. Route 501

Areas firework displays

Whether you’re in the Grand Strand by yourself, with family or with friends, there will be plenty of firework shows to celebrate. If, however, you’re trying to steer clear of traffic, these areas could be busy.

At night:

• 2nd Avenue Pier - The downtown Myrtle Beach pier will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m. at 110 S. Ocean Blvd.

• Cherry Grove Pier - The North Myrtle Beach pier will have a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at 3500 N. Ocean Blvd.

• Broadway at the Beach - The shopping, dining and entertainment destination will have a 10 p.m. fireworks display at 1325 Celebrity Circle

• Barefoot Landing - Another popular retail and entertainment village, Barefoot Landing will host a 10 p.m. fireworks show at 4898 Hwy. 17 S.

• Veterans’ Pier - The Murrells Inlet pier will also have a 10 p.m. fireworks show at Hwy. 17 Business

No matter where you are in the Grand Strand on July 4th, you’re sure to encounter crowds. Local officials are encouraging tourists and locals alike to drive friendly and calmly.D

“We ask all of our community members and visitors to please pack their patience while on the road,” Angotti said.