Update 9/6: The second phase of back gate construction begins, affecting northbound traffic patterns and a new connector road.
Also during this year-long phase, the construction of ramps and permanent walls will start. For more details about what to expect, see this WBTW report.
Update 7/8: Nighttime lane closures for the Back gate Interchange Project will begin on Monday, July 11. From Monday, July 11, to Thursday, July 15, the inside lanes (both north bound and south bound) will be closed on U.S. Route 17 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Update 6/14: Since construction started, everyone has been expecting the worst at the infamous intersection.
WMBF asked a couple of locals and they seem to think that traffic has lightened up because people are already avoiding the intersection. See the video package here. The pleasant commute probably won't last long, so enjoy it while you can!
- The foursquare Spot called "Backgate Stoplight" has 1300 check-ins
- The foursquare Spot called "Backgate Stop Light" has 420 check-ins
- The Gowalla "Stuck at Backgate Red Light" has 422 check-ins
Update 6/2: The start date for the dreaded Backgate roadwork is June 6, next Monday. The project is slated to last 3 years.
When the project is complete we will all be pleased; however, three years of headache seems like a long time. The Sun News has some video discussing the $100 million dollar overpass project, as well as daily work times and speed limit changes.
Check out the video below of the animation of what the Backgate overpass will look like when complete via WMBF News. Or hop on over to WMBF News to watch and read up on some of the interesting stats as to how many motorists pass through that little slice of heaven every day.
First Report 4/20: Utility work is nearly complete at one of the Myrtle Beach area's most hated intersections at Highway 17 Bypass and Highway 707/Socastee Boulevard. Actual road construction begins in May.
In other words, it's not going to gain any new fans this year. Evan Lambert of WMBF talks about how the construction will progress and also gives an update on the Highway 31 construction project. See the video here.
- View the Highway 707 project on the Riding On A Penny website.
- Tips on how to avoid Myrtle Beach traffic.
