Ashley River Bridge Reopens After Mechanical Issue | Charleston, SC
- – The Ashley River Bridge fully reopened following a mechanical issue that temporarily halted traffic on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, according to Charleston Police.
- The disruption began when a mechanical problem forced authorities to divert traffic at Wesley Drive to the James Island Connector.
- The South Carolina Department of Transportation determined that a faulty wire was the cause of the issue, remaining stuck in the open position.
Ashley River Bridge Reopens After Mechanical Issue Disrupts Traffic
Charleston, S.C. – The Ashley River Bridge fully reopened following a mechanical issue that temporarily halted traffic on , according to Charleston Police.
The disruption began when a mechanical problem forced authorities to divert traffic at Wesley Drive to the James Island Connector. The closure impacted traffic heading into downtown Charleston.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation determined that a faulty wire was the cause of the issue, remaining stuck in the open position. Crews were dispatched immediately and were able to restore traffic flow after resolving the problem.
While the initial reports on focused on a general “mechanical issue,” further details revealed the problem stemmed from a wire that failed to properly retract. This caused a delay for commuters traveling from West Ashley towards downtown.
This incident follows a similar closure on , when malfunctioning equipment related to the construction of the Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge led to the closure of three eastbound lanes. That earlier issue, involving a crane and its aerial boom lift, also caused significant traffic backups on roadways including Savannah Highway, St. Andrews Boulevard and Harbor View and Folly Roads. MasTec Civil, the contractor for the pedestrian bridge, experienced a “mechanical failure on a large piece of equipment” at that time, according to city spokesperson Deja Knight McMillan.
The recent closure on was resolved more quickly, with authorities confirming the bridge was fully reopened. However, the incident highlights the potential for disruption on this key commuter route.
The Ashley River Bridge serves as a vital link between West Ashley and downtown Charleston, and any closure, even temporary, can have a significant impact on traffic patterns throughout the region. Commuters are advised to monitor traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, for any potential delays.
While the specific details of the faulty wire and the speed of the repair were not immediately available, the swift response from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Charleston Police helped to minimize the disruption.