The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced the 3rd Avenue South widening and improvement project in Myrtle Beach is scheduled to begin on Monday, Sept. 17, and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015.

The project includes adding a third lane from US 501 to Withers Swash, then improving the two-lane section from Withers Swash to Kings Highway.

Included in the improvements are storm drainage upgrades, roadway grading and paving, undergrounding utilities, traffic signal upgrades, curb and gutter, bike lanes, and sidewalk along the entire corridor.

At least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times to minimize effects on the traveling public.

However, drivers should expect congestion as the work progresses during the next three years.

Due to intermittent shoulder and lane closures in conjunction with day and night-time work throughout the project, motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to consider alternate routes.

The City of Myrtle Beach is participating in the construction by funding new water and sewer lines and underground utility conduits. The city's estimated share of the total construction cost is $2.4 million.

For more information, call Travis Patrick and Scott Ward with SCDOT (843) 365-2106, or C. L. Benton & Sons, Inc. (843) 448-3116.