Carolina Bays Parkway (SC 31) Extension

planned

The project involves extending the Carolina Bays Parkway (SC 31) from its end at SC Highway 9 north to US Highway 17 over the North Carolina and South Carolina state line. The preferred route, called Alternative 4, is a new four-lane highway approximately 22 miles long, intended to save 8 to 22 minutes of travel time. The route will impact Indigo Farms and other properties, with right-of-way acquisition planned to begin in 2026 in South Carolina. The project cost is estimated at around $800 million, with North Carolina potentially responsible for over $600 million and South Carolina around $200 million. South Carolina will use sales tax funding from RIDE III to buy property for the extension, and making it a toll road is an option for North Carolina. The final environmental impact statement is expected in late 2026, but there is no timeline for construction start.