What Drivers Need to Know About Charleston Roads: Intersections, Construction, and Safety Initiatives

Navigating Charleston’s bustling roads can feel like an adventure – one filled with scenic views, historic landmarks, and unfortunately, some of South Carolina’s most dangerous intersections. From congested highways to tightly packed urban streets, the roadways in Charleston reflect the city’s rapid growth and popularity. While thousands of vehicles move smoothly through the beautiful Lowcountry each day, the reality is that accidents happen far too often, particularly at certain high-risk intersections.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a tourist taking in Charleston’s charm, or a local heading to one of the area’s picturesque beaches, staying informed about potential risks and ongoing road improvements can help you stay safer behind the wheel. Let’s explore the facts, dangers, and future projects shaping the driving experience in and around Charleston, South Carolina.

Dangerous Intersections in Charleston

Intersections are among the most common locations for car accidents, and the Charleston area  is home to several high-risk areas. Analysis by the S.C. Department of Public Safety, Live 5 News, and The Post and Courier highlights the most dangerous intersections in the region.

The top three are:

  1. Ashley Phosphate Road and I-26: With 629 crashes from 2011 to 2015, this intersection is the most dangerous in Berkely, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
  2. I-26 Exit 203 at College Park Road: Over 380 accidents occurred here during the same period.
  3. Carnes Crossroads (U.S. 17-A and U.S. 176): This intersection experienced 117 collisions.

Other hazardous intersections include:

  • Rivers Avenue at Otranto Road
  • Sam Rittenberg Boulevard at S.C. 61
  • U.S. 17 at Houston Northcutt Boulevard
  • I-26 at U.S. 78
  • I-526 at North Rhett
  • Rivers Avenue at Greenridge Road
  • I-26 at Cosgrove Avenue

Why Do Accidents Happen at Intersections?

Most Charleston intersection accidents result from driver error. Common causes include:

  • Failing to look thoroughly before turning.
  • Misjudging the speed or intentions of other drivers.
  • Running red lights or stop signs.
  • Distractions, such as using a cellphone.

Intersection accidents can lead to serious injuries, including T-bone, rear-end, and head-on collisions. Tragically, many of these accidents are preventable with greater attention and adherence to traffic laws.

Ongoing and Planned Road Construction in Charleston County

Charleston and the surrounding area are experiencing significant road construction and improvement projects aimed at alleviating congestion and enhancing safety.

Current Projects

  • Palmetto Commerce Interchange: Connecting I-26 to Weber Boulevard between US-78 and Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston.
  • Main Road Corridor Segment A (US 17 and Main Road Intersection): Improvements to Main Road between Bees Ferry Road and Chisolm Road and a new interchange at US 17 and Main Road. West Ashley Greenway extension to Bees Ferry Road on Johns Island.
  • Paving East Nash Street and Mason Street: Paving two unpaved roads in Summerville. 
  • Northside Drive Sidewalk: Installation of a sidewalk on Northside Drive from Norwalk Drive to Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston.
  • Phillips Community Drainage Project: Enlarging pipes and drainage canals through the Phillips Community.

Future Projects

  • North Bridge: Exploring avenues to increase bike and pedestrian safety
  • East Bay Street Sidewalk Installation: Extending from Charlotte Street to 515 East Bay Street.
  • Savannah Highway Corridor: Capacity and intersection improvements between Savage Road and Magnolia Road.
  • Ahsley Hall at Sam Rittenberg: Extending turn lanes.
  • Calhoun Street Widening: From the James Island Connector to Gadsden Street.
  • Maybank Highway and Woodland Shores: Updating sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

These efforts aim to address growing traffic demands while improving safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

The Rivers Avenue Mobility Improvement Plan

Rivers Avenue, a historically significant roadway in North Charleston, is one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the South Carolina Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan, segments of Rivers Avenue rank among the worst in the state for crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Crash Data Highlights

Fromm 2015 to 2019, segments of Rivers Avenue accounted for:

  • 75 crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.
  • 3 fatal crashes and numerous incapacitating injuries.

Safety Enhancements Underway

The proposed $142 million Rivers Avenue Mobility Improvements plan includes:

  • Dedicated bike lanes to separate cyclists from motor traffic.
  • Expanded pedestrian walkways for safer foot travel.
  • Connections to CARTA stations to support public transit users.
  • A dedicated lane for Lowcountry Rapid Transit, a 21-mile bus project.
  • Green spaces and landscaping for aesthetics and sustainability.

This redesign will reduce traffic lanes from four to two, creating a safer and more accessible roadway for all users.

Joye Law Firm Supports Safer Streets in Charleston

Charleston's roads are a blend of charm and challenge, with ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce accidents. However, if you've been injured in a crash, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone.

Joye Law Firm first opened its doors in 1968, and for over five decades, we’ve been helping accident victims in South Carolina seek justice. With convenient locations on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, between Remount Road and Aviation Ave., and our newly opened office in West Ashley on Sam Rittenberg Blvd., we are here to serve the Lowcountry community.

Whether you’ve been hurt in a car collision, pedestrian incident, or cycling accident, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of personal injury claims and the emotional toll these situations can bring.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can make Charleston’s roads safer for everyone.

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