Known locally as the “back gate,” the US 17 Bypass at SC 707/Farrow Parkway interchange is a critical access point for Market Commons, Myrtle Beach’s major mixed‑use district. To improve mobility and reduce congestion along this heavily traveled corridor, STV delivered full turnkey services for a new interchange featuring dual 1,250‑foot bridges. The project modernizes a key gateway for residents, businesses and visitors in one of South Carolina’s fastest‑growing coastal regions.
What challenges did STV address?
The site’s proximity to the coastline and its location within one of the East Coast’s most active seismic zones created significant geotechnical challenges. Poor‑bearing soils required specialized engineering to adequately support bridges, roadway structures, MSE walls and drainage systems. The team also needed to design a solution that improved traffic flow while minimizing impacts to nearby development and future growth areas.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided project management, permitting, environmental documentation, traffic analysis, roadway and bridge design, utility coordination, hydraulic analysis and geotechnical investigations. Working closely with SCDOT, the team advanced three major soil‑stabilization strategies – prefabricated vertical drains, mechanically stabilized earth walls and deep soil‑cement mixing – to strengthen the subsurface and support long‑term resilience. The project delivered a safer, more efficient interchange capable of handling growing traffic volumes.
How does this project benefit the community?
The reconstructed interchange improves access to Market Commons, enhances daily mobility and reduces congestion along a major coastal corridor. By stabilizing challenging soils and implementing modern roadway design, the project supports economic development, tourism and long‑term safety for Myrtle Beach residents and visitors.
Key stats and accolades
- ACEC South Carolina and ACEC National Engineering Excellence Awards
- Dual 1,250‑foot bridges
- Three major geotechnical stabilization methods
