Proposed changes to Kings Highway
If you've driven along the south end of Myrtle Beach, you've likely noticed parts of Kings Highway aren't in the best condition.
It's an older section of the city, and officials say it's time to improve the infrastructure.
The goal is to make it more pedestrian friendly.
"It's been a long time coming to get this project rolling. Downtown Myrtle Beach and the south end of Myrtle Beach has really missed out on a lot of improvements a lot of building," said Michael Pick, manager at Tire Town.
Myrtle Beach city planners have $2.5 million in federal funds to make improvements to the road.
That money will allow them to repave Kings Highway and potentially fund other projects such as repairing damaged retaining walls and adding shelters for public transit.
City planners presented their ideas in a meeting with the business community Thursday evening.
"Improvements that would widen the sidewalk, provide for better crossing opportunities for motorists, so that we have good signage, we have good striping," said Jack Walker, Director of Planning for the City of Myrtle Beach.
"I would like to see a lot more foliage, a lot more greenage and improvements with the palm trees, since we are the Palmetto State," added Pick.
Landscaped islands are a part of the plan, as well as improved nighttime lighting.
"The street and its relationship to adjacent properties with property owner involvement so that we have more of a village feel, we have a place that has some kind of special character," said Walker.
City officials are looking for another source to take care of the pavement costs because current estimates show it could cost about one fifth of the funds they already have for that portion of the project.
Beginning Friday, city officials will contact all the businesses in the affected area about the changes they would like to see.
City planners want to have a proposal ready by April for the Department of Transportation so that the road projects can begin in the fall.
The work is expected to take about two years.
