North Myrtle Beach Bridge Adopts Rush Hour Opening Schedule
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 19, 2026, the Little River Bridge in North Myrtle Beach, SC, will open on a set schedule during weekday rush hours to help reduce car traffic jams. Boat traffic will need to plan around these scheduled openings, but this change keeps things moving smoothly for everyone. No extra costs are involved, just a smarter way to manage bridge openings!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Bridge opens on schedule during rush hour
Starting February 19, 2026, the Little River Bridge in North Myrtle Beach, SC, will open on a set schedule Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays): at the top and half-hour of each hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At all other times the bridge will open on demand.
Boaters must follow timed openings
Boat operators who need the Little River Bridge to open must plan for scheduled openings on weekdays: openings occur on the hour and half-hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays); at other times the draw opens on demand. Vessels that can pass beneath the bridge without an opening may do so at any time.
No significant small-entity economic impact
The Coast Guard certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting vessels can still transit during scheduled times and vessels that pass without openings may do so at any time.
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