Charleston, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Charleston experienced significant traffic delays Tuesday morning due to accidents and increased commuter volume following the holiday weekend. I-526 near the Don Holt Bridge and I-26 saw the most congestion. A tragic incident involving a pedestrian on Ashley Phosphate Road further complicated the situation. Drivers are urged to plan their routes carefully and stay updated on traffic conditions as investigations continue.
CHARLESTON – Heavy traffic was reported on Charleston’s interstates Tuesday morning, primarily due to crashes and an increase in commuter volume following the recent holiday weekend. Significant delays were noted on various routes, creating a challenging morning for travelers in the region.
One of the major congestion points was I-526 heading toward North Charleston, which faced delays caused by a cleared crash near the Don Holt Bridge. This incident impacted the flow of traffic substantially as vehicles backed up in the area. Additionally, a vehicle breakdown atop the Wando River Bridges further exacerbated the issue, resulting in increased traffic volume on Clements Ferry Road.
Motorists also experienced delays on the eastbound side of I-26, particularly between the I-526 junction and University Boulevard. In light of these ongoing issues, drivers are advised to leave early, reduce their speed, and exercise caution when navigating congested areas.
Traffic Incidents and Fatalities
In a tragic separate incident, the Charleston County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a pedestrian who was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash as Everson Rodrigues, 45, of Charleston. This accident occurred around 6:20 a.m. on Ashley Phosphate Road at Northwoods Boulevard. The driver involved is currently cooperating with the police investigation, and Rodrigues was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. This incident led to a temporary partial closure of Ashley Phosphate Road, further complicating morning traffic.
Additionally, North Charleston Police are investigating a separate collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Cross County Road and Design Street. Fortunately, as of 8:20 a.m., roadways at this location have reopened to regular traffic following an investigation of the collision that occurred that morning.
Another accident, which took place Saturday afternoon on Rivers Avenue and Melnick Drive, has seen all lanes clear, adding to the overall increase in traffic as the city recovers from the weekend disruptions.
Conclusion and Advisory
With the combination of increased traffic volume post-holiday and several incidents on the roadway, drivers in the Charleston area are encouraged to stay alert and plan their commutes carefully. It is always advisable to keep updated on traffic conditions, especially during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What caused the heavy traffic in Charleston?
Heavy traffic was primarily due to crashes and increased commuter volume following the holiday weekend. - Who was involved in the fatal pedestrian crash?
The pedestrian killed was identified as Everson Rodrigues, 45, of Charleston. - Where did the incidents that caused traffic occur?
Incidents occurred on I-526 near the Don Holt Bridge, Wando River Bridges, Ashley Phosphate Road at Northwoods Boulevard, and Rivers Avenue. - How can drivers manage during heavy traffic conditions?
Drivers are advised to leave early, reduce speed, and exercise caution in congested areas.
Key Features of Traffic Incidents in Charleston
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Heavy Traffic | Caused by crashes and increased commuter volume after holiday weekend |
| Location of Significant Delays | I-526 near Don Holt Bridge, Wando River Bridges, eastbound I-26 |
| Fatal Incident | Everson Rodrigues, 45, involved in auto-pedestrian crash on Ashley Phosphate Road |
| Police Investigations | Underway for multiple collision incidents in the area |
| Traffic Advisory | Drivers advised to leave early, reduce speed, exercise caution |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Coroner Identifies Pedestrian Killed
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- ABC News 4: Fatal Crash Under Investigation
- Google Search: Fatal Traffic Incidents in Charleston
- Count On 2: Coroner Identifies 4 Killed in Separate Crashes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Live 5 News: North Charleston Road Reopens
- Google News: Traffic Updates Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
