Major Sinkhole Closes Romney Street Past Interstate 26 Off-Ramp in Downtown Charleston

Major Sinkhole Closes Romney Street Past Interstate 26 Off-Ramp in Downtown Charleston

A significant sinkhole has resulted in the closure of part of Romney Street beyond the Interstate 26 off-ramp on Charleston’s peninsula. According to reports, the sinkhole is located next to the I-26 overpass, between Meeting and King streets, and was cordoned off by police tape on August 8.

Revelation of Sinkhole and Immediate Response

The Charleston Fire Department reported the emergence of the sinkhole around 9:30 p.m. on August 7, sharing a photo of the water-filled cavity through social media channels. By the following morning, the water had drained, exposing a gaping hole. Charleston police Lt. Anthony Gibson was present on the scene to assess the damage. “The pictures did not do this justice,” Gibson commented on the size of the sinkhole.

Safety Measures and Investigation

The South Carolina (S.C.) Department of Transportation, along with local police, immediately cordoned off the area. Large white trucks were seen blocking traffic on both sides of Romney Street to ensure the public’s safety. Workers from Charleston Water System also arrived at the scene to survey the site. As of this report, the exact cause and magnitude of the sinkhole are yet to be determined.

Impact of Sinkhole and Repair Timeline

The I-26 off-ramp remains accessible via Meeting Street, although the portion of Romney Street adjacent to the ramp is currently blocked. Due to the ongoing investigation and initial repair work, there is no explicit timeline for when full restoration of the area will commence or be completed.

Relation to Recent Weather Events and Sinkhole Formation

The appearance of this sinkhole follows a series of roadway disruptions since the onset of Tropical Storm Debby, including a washout that left the ramp on Interstate 526 impassable for several hours on August 6. Furthermore, another sinkhole that emerged on Ashley Avenue between Spring and Cannon streets resulted in temporary road closure on August 7.

Sinkholes typically form when parts of a pipe connected to sewer lines or stormwater lines drift apart or from a manhole junction, leading to a large void beneath the ground’s surface. In many cases, surface damage, natural ground settling, or an increased flow of water can cause these pipes to separate. According to Matt Fountain, Director of Stormwater Management with the city of Charleston, heavy flooding can exacerbate the issue, often causing soil erosion that travels into pipes. If the void grows large enough that the surface can no longer support itself, it collapses, creating a sinkhole.

Many parts of Charleston have a history of such incidents, primarily due to the large amount of historic vitrified clay pipes used in the area, which are much more prone to fracture than their plastic and cast-iron counterparts.

The city continues to urge residents to exercise caution while using the affected routes and to follow updates diligently for their safety. Future developments will be reported as made available by the relevant authorities.