Construction work will begin next week on an interchange that will relieve traffic tie-ups at one of the busiest intersections on the Grand Strand.
But SC Department of Transportation officials say congestion at the intersection of US 17 Bypass and SC 707 will get worse before it gets better. Many store managers at the shopping and residential complex the Market Common are worried about how the construction work and related traffic backups will impact their business this summer. The U.S. 17 Bypass intersection, commonly known as the back gate, serves as the main entrance to Market Common.
The manager of Orvis, a fly fishing and outdoor wear store, says he doesn't argue with the need for the new interchange, because congestion at the traffic stop is already bad.
"The mall management has been very proactive in trying to get it done," said Larry Tyler. "I think my biggest concern is, we're going into peak season and it's a little scary that traffic is gonna be backed up, and have no easy route to get to us."
Tyler said he thinks the DOT is doing its best to minimize the impact of construction by scheduling most of its work for the early morning hours, but it would have been better if the project had been delayed until the off season.
"This is our third summer and each year it's gotten better and better, and we're seeing more traffic so, again, that's why it's a concern because we've worked so hard to get that traffic here."
Pottery Barn manager Linda Leggett said it's already difficult for shoppers to get to Market Common and she's concerned the construction work will only make it worse. Still, she said the interchange project had to be done.
"Without that, I don't see business growing here because it's too challenging to get in here, so with the new construction as they've mapped it out, it'll be very easy to get in here," Leggett said.
The key, Leggett said, will be for Market Common stores to hold on to the business they've already built up, while waiting for the interchange to be completed in 2014.
"And then reap all the benefits," she said.
Leggett said she would have preferred seeing the construction work begin in September.
The owners of the Classic New England Deli on Farrow Parkway think any worries about a loss of business due to construction are overblown.
"This has always been a big traffic area and I think that once people come, the regular customers will still keep coming," said employee Becky Marques. "There's lots of clientele in the parkway here, so I'm really not concerned about it."
Tyler and others said DOT officials plan to meet with Market Common store managers next week, to explain how the project will progress.
Horry County officials have said the construction project was scheduled to begin during the busy summer season because getting it done as soon as possible was their first priority.
