NCDOT says new alternative is in the works for Carolina Bays Parkway Extension
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Department of Transportation says it is considering new design options for the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project after receiving public and stakeholder feedback.
NCDOT, working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, is continuing planning and development to extend S.C. 31, also known as Carolina Bays Parkway, from S.C. 9 in Horry County, South Carolina, across the state line to U.S. 17 in Brunswick County.
The project calls for a multi-lane highway that would use parts of the existing road network and include new roadway construction.
In October 2025, NCDOT and SCDOT held two joint corridor public hearings on the project. Seven design alternatives were presented, including the departments’ preferred alternative, known as Alternative 4.
After reviewing public feedback and funding challenges, NCDOT said it will not move forward with the North Carolina portion of Alternative 4. That option would have used a new location tying in near the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 904. It also would have upgraded part of U.S. 17 to a fully controlled freeway from N.C. 904 to N.C. 130 in Shallotte.
NCDOT, SCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration are continuing to work together to explore other alternatives and modified routes aimed at reducing impacts while still meeting the project’s purpose and need.
“NCDOT deeply values the input from this community and our stakeholders. We want to provide the region with the best possible roadway designs. We’ve listened to the feedback, and we’re working hard to prepare a new alternative,” Division 3 Engineer Trevor Carroll said in a news release.
According to NCDOT, a new alternative must include connectivity through the transportation network, increased mobility for the region and reduced travel time through the project corridor.
The department said additional information about the new design will be shared with the public at a later date.
