North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
In a dual-pronged effort to improve public safety and community recreation, local and state officials have finalized plans for significant infrastructure investments in the Loris area recently.
These projects, ranging from high-traffic intersection upgrades to the revitalization of a historically significant park, represent a coordinated response to long-standing safety concerns and a push to preserve the cultural heritage of the rural city and its vibrant community.
The most urgent of these developments is the securing of $1.5 million for a new traffic signal and safety enhancements at the intersection of Highway 9 and Camp Swamp Road.
The intersection has become a focal point for local advocacy following a string of accidents in recent years, with data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) showing that between 2020 and 2025, the area saw 27 total collisions, resulting in 19 injuries and two fatalities.
Funding for the project was assembled through a combination of developer agreements and the Horry County Transportation Committee (CTC).
County Councilman Mark Causey and State Representative Kevin Hardee are reportedly fast-tracking the initiative to mitigate further risks at the intersection, which has struggled to keep pace with the increasing traffic volume of the Highway 9 corridor.
Simultaneously, the City of Loris has launched a $40,000 renovation project at Watson Park located on Cedar Lane.
Interim City Administrator Angel Neighbours confirmed during the Monday, May 4, council meeting that work is currently underway to install new playground equipment, restripe basketball courts and replace aging goals.
The project is funded through a 50/50 matching grant from the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, with the city contributing $20,000.
To ensure compliance with public safety standards, the city has contracted a commercial playground firm for professional installation, with completion expected by June.
