Fatal crash marks third collision since June on popular Grand Strand road

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) — Big plans are afoot for River Oaks Drive, possibly including the addition of hundreds of new homes if a rezoning application is approved by Horry County Council.

But locals said that didn’t fix the two-lane road problem.

Councilman Bill Howard of Horry County said it’s not the road that’s the problem, it’s the traffic.

“Well, you know, the road, it’s a good road, it’s just very heavy traffic and very busy traffic. It’s a good road, it’s only two lanes,” said Councilor Howard “You know, these developments that are being built now, they’re paying to widen it. Have turning lanes, so traffic can flow while people are turning.”

Other than the rezoning plan, Councilman Howard said he has no interest in adding more homes to the area.

At this stage, the rezoning request must first go through the planning commission.

The request has been postponed several times and is expected to be discussed on November 8.

Once it passes through the planning commission, it will be voted on three times by Horry County Council.

Councilman Howard said River Oaks Drive is already busy enough without new developments.

“That being said, there are no plans to rezone anyone new to this area because we realize that what was zoned many years ago is now starting to be developed,” the councilor said. Howard.

Councilor Howard added that if the rezoning is approved it could take up to eight to nine years for any construction to begin on the road or the area itself.

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