News Summary
A car collision near Hardeeville on I-95 caused major traffic delays affecting both directions, coinciding with increased holiday travel. The incident was reported around 1:30 p.m., and it severely reduced speeds, prompting authorities to advise motorists to avoid the area. Crews worked swiftly to clear the wreckage, but delays remained as travelers rushed into Beaufort County for the Fourth of July weekend. Earlier incidents added to the congestion, complicating the situation as authorities continued to monitor conditions.
Hardeeville, SC – A car collision on Thursday afternoon led to significant traffic disruptions along a five-mile stretch of I-95 near Hardeeville, causing delays for motorists heading into the area just ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. near the 8-mile marker of I-95, prompting an immediate alert from the City of Hardeeville for drivers to avoid the vicinity as traffic was stalled in both directions of the interstate.
According to traffic reports, by 1:55 p.m., average speeds on the northbound lanes had dropped sharply to approximately 15 mph, as traffic began backing up from Exit 5 to U.S. 17 and extended northward to Exit 8 towards Hilton Head Island.
The collision coincided with an influx of travelers, as many were expected to visit Beaufort County and Hilton Head for the upcoming holiday, which was projected to attract a record number of visitors.
Crews were dispatched promptly to the site of the accident to manage traffic flow and address the incident. By around 2:00 p.m., the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported that the backups had cleared, allowing traffic to resume normal speeds.
Earlier in the day, the situation was further complicated by another incident, as traffic was heavily impacted due to damage to a large overhead message board, which contributed to rerouting southbound traffic. Motorists traveling south experienced additional delays, with no exit available at Exit 5 during the height of the incident.
Residents and travelers alike were cautioned to expect significant delays, with congestion extending well into South Carolina. Although emergency crews worked swiftly to open some lanes, traffic remained slow in the area as they continued to clear the wreckage.
The car collision was not the only incident affecting the area in recent days. Just earlier in the week, a high-profile police pursuit involving a tractor-trailer and a suspect related to a violent assault had occurred in the same vicinity, adding to the tension on local roads.
This ongoing situation highlights the need for travelers to stay informed of changing conditions on the interstate, especially as traffic patterns shift with seasonal tourism and holiday traffic peaks. Updates and information were provided as they became available, indicating the situation was still developing.
Local authorities continue to monitor roadway conditions and advise drivers to remain cautious while navigating the area.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: I-95 Hardeeville Crash Traffic
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95 in South Carolina
- WSAV: Crash on I-95 Near Hardeeville Causes Delays
- Google Search: I-95 traffic updates
- WTOC: Pursuit Ends with Crash on I-95
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents I-95
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Interstate Highway System
