Address
The Galleria 9626 N. Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
For decades, the idea of a direct highway connecting I-95 to Myrtle Beach has hovered just beyond the horizon — debated, delayed, yet still alive. Now, as South Carolina enters 2025 with portions of Interstate 73 (I-73) deemed “shovel-ready,” the conversation is heating up again.
Whether you’re a real estate professional helping families find homes or a resident who simply wants better access to the coast, understanding what I-73 represents — and what’s holding it back — is more important than ever.
What Is I-73 and Why Does It Matter?
The proposed Interstate 73 corridor is designed to directly link I-95 to Horry County and Myrtle Beach, streamlining travel into South Carolina’s most iconic tourism hub.
The route would begin at SC 22 near Briarcliffe Acres, cross the Carolina Bays Parkway (SC 31), and continue northwest past Conway. From there, it would branch west and follow upgraded SC 917 across the Little Pee Dee River. New freeway alignments would connect to I-95, with key interchanges near Mullins, Latta, and Dillon County before continuing into North Carolina.
In essence, I-73 could do for northeastern South Carolina what I-526 did for Charleston — unlocking regional access, reducing congestion, and spurring development.
For real estate professionals, this translates to opportunity. With improved infrastructure, underserved areas may become prime real estate. For residents, it means faster travel, better safety, and a stronger local economy.
A Look Back – Decades in the Making
The dream of I-73 began taking shape in the 1980s as Myrtle Beach’s growth outpaced its transportation capacity. In 1991, it was officially designated as a high-priority corridor through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.
Environmental impact studies started in the early 2000s, with a final route selected by 2006 that sought to balance ecological preservation with connectivity. Despite this, the road to building I-73 has been anything but smooth — with funding delays, shifting political will, and environmental pushback slowing the process.
Where Things Stand in 2025
As of today, Phase I — connecting I-95 in Dillon County to US 501 south of Latta — is considered construction-ready. Horry County continues investing in preparation through its RIDE IV program, which allocates local funds for key infrastructure improvements.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has begun acquiring rights-of-way in parts of Horry County, signaling real steps toward eventual development. But broader state and federal funding remains elusive — and no firm construction date has been set.
In short: the groundwork is laid, but the clock is still ticking.
The Roadblocks – Funding, Environment, and Local Politics
1. Funding Gaps: The estimated cost of I-73 stands at nearly $2 billion, and only a fraction has been secured. While $15 million has been earmarked for right-of-way purchases, South Carolina’s 2025 budget — as proposed by Governor McMaster — did not include direct funding for I-73’s construction.
2. Environmental Concerns: Advocacy groups like the Coastal Conservation League argue that the highway would endanger wetlands and wildlife habitats along the Little Pee Dee River. These concerns have fueled opposition and litigation in past years.
3. Political Momentum: Local leadership is split. While Horry County added I-73 to its official maps in 2024, it declined to implement development restrictions along the corridor — a sign of waning political will amid fiscal uncertainty.
What This Means for South Carolina Residents and Real Estate
If completed, I-73 could dramatically shift the development map of northeastern South Carolina.
For residents, the benefits are easy to imagine:
- Less congestion on US 501, especially during peak tourism months.
- Safer, faster routes inland in the event of hurricanes or flooding.
- Improved access to jobs, schools, and healthcare across county lines.
For real estate professionals, the potential is equally powerful:
- Emerging growth corridors where land values may rise.
- New residential demand near future interchanges.
- Increased investor interest in both residential and commercial development.
However, until key hurdles are cleared, these remain projections — not promises. The real estate community should stay informed and, where possible, contribute to productive dialogue around this transformational infrastructure project.
A Future Still Under Construction
I-73 represents more than a road. It’s a vision for the future of South Carolina — one that connects people, boosts tourism, fuels economic development, and redefines regional mobility.
But it also represents the complexities of growth: balancing economic ambition with environmental stewardship, and aligning local hopes with state and federal realities.
Whether you’re a Realtor® mapping future development or a lifelong resident hoping for smoother roads to the coast, one thing is clear: the story of I-73 isn’t finished yet.
Want to stay informed or share your voice?
- Talk to local representatives.
- Follow updates from SCDOT and RIDE IV.
- Share this blog to keep the conversation going.
At Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, we have our finger on the pulse of all things real estate — from major infrastructure developments like I-73 to everyday market insights that affect agents and homeowners alike. We’re proud to be South Carolina’s go-to source for trusted real estate information and world-class education. Whether you’re looking into getting started in the industry, completing your continuing education, upgrading your license, or simply enjoy keeping up with informative real estate blogs and vlogs, we’re here for you every step of the way. Stay connected with Pinnacle — because knowledge isn’t just power, it’s potential.
