Major Highways & Driving Tips in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. Interstate 26 (I-26)
Connects Charleston with Columbia and the Upstate region, solving long-distance travel challenges.
- Toll Road: No tolls are charged along this interstate.
- Rush Hours: Peak traffic occurs during weekday mornings and evenings.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
2. US Highway 17 (US-17)
Runs parallel to the coast, linking Charleston with Myrtle Beach and North Carolina, resolving travel between coastal cities.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and local beaches.
- Toll Roads: Only a few sections have tolls; most are electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
3. Interstate 526 (I-526)
Circumventor around Charleston, easing downtown traffic congestion and providing an alternate route for commuters.
- Toll Road: A two-tiered toll system based on the distance traveled.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
- Rush Hours: Peak traffic occurs during weekday mornings and evenings.
4. US Highway 52 (US-52)
Connects Charleston with Virginia and the Midwest, addressing long-distance travel needs.
- Toll Roads: No tolls are charged along this highway.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
5. South Carolina Highway 17 (SC-17)
Connects Charleston with Savannah, Georgia, addressing travel between neighboring states.
- Scenic Routes: Offers views of historic plantations and natural landscapes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
6. Interstate 95 (I-95)
Connects Charleston with major cities along the East Coast, addressing long-distance travel needs.
- Toll Roads: Only a few sections have tolls; most are electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
7. South Carolina Highway 165 (SC-165)
Connects Charleston with Johns Island and Folly Beach, resolving travel to these popular destinations.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and local beaches.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
8. US Highway 78 (US-78)
Connects Charleston with Birmingham, Alabama, addressing travel between major cities.
- Toll Roads: No tolls are charged along this highway.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
9. South Carolina Highway 61 (SC-61)
Connects Charleston with Moncks Corner and rural areas of Berkeley County, addressing travel to less-trafficked regions.
- Scenic Routes: Offers views of local plantations and natural landscapes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
10. US Highway 76 (US-76)
Connects Charleston with Augusta, Georgia and the Midwest, addressing long-distance travel needs.
- Toll Roads: No tolls are charged along this highway.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
11. South Carolina Highway 7 (SC-7)
Connects Charleston with North Augusta and the Upstate region, addressing travel to less-trafficked regions.
- Scenic Routes: Offers views of local plantations and natural landscapes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
12. Interstate 20 (I-20)
Connects Charleston with Dallas, Texas and the Deep South, addressing long-distance travel needs.
- Toll Roads: Only a few sections have tolls; most are electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
13. US Highway 521 (US-521)
Connects Charleston with Columbia and the Upstate region, resolving travel between major cities.
- Toll Roads: No tolls are charged along this highway.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
14. South Carolina Highway 6 (SC-6)
Connects Charleston with the Upstate region and North Carolina, addressing travel to less-trafficked regions.
- Scenic Routes: Offers views of local plantations and natural landscapes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 65 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.
15. Interstate 77 (I-77)
Connects Charleston with Charlotte, North Carolina and the Midwest, addressing travel between major cities.
- Toll Roads: Only a few sections have tolls; most are electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes.
- Construction: Expect construction and traffic delays during peak seasons.
- Speed Limits: 70 mph is the standard speed limit, but may vary due to construction or weather conditions.