NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — The S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is conducting a review of the North Rhett Avenue interchange with Interstate 526 following concerns over wrong-way driving.
The review, expected to conclude by November 20, aims to assess signage and pavement markings in the area. Authorities said the review was initiated after a string of wrong-way collisions, including a fatal incident on October 25.
According to police, two motorists, Jake Stevens, 35, and Robert Brown, 49, died in a head-on crash involving two vehicles that occurred around 3 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing fiery wreckage as emergency responders arrived on the scene.
SCDOT spokesperson Tyler Fedor confirmed no recent work orders regarding roadway markings or signage had been submitted before the review began. Previous incidents on the same stretch raised alarms, with five wrong-way collisions occurring before the October crash.
Traffic experts indicated that the interchange presents “significant potential” for driving errors, partly due to worn pavement markings and limited signage. The area features two interchanges leading to I-526, with North Rhett Avenue being highlighted as a critical point for potential wrong-way entry.
SCDOT will assess current traffic control devices against established standards during the review. No traffic disruptions are anticipated as the review takes place.