Charleston, WV (April 17, 2026) – A crash caused lane closures Wednesday afternoon, April 16, along Interstate 77 South and Interstate 64 East in Charleston. The incident occurred just before 2:00 p.m. near mile marker 99, between the Brooks Street entrance ramp and the Greenbrier Street exit.
Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a collision affecting traffic flow. Officials confirmed that the middle and right lanes were shut down as crews worked in the area.
Traffic delays developed as vehicles were forced to merge into a single open lane.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Lane Closures Affect Traffic on Busy Interstates
Arterial highways like Interstate 77 and Interstate 64 often carry steady volumes of traffic throughout the day. In Charleston, when lanes are closed due to a crash, responders may restrict access to maintain safety and manage congestion.
When multiple lanes are blocked, vehicles must merge into fewer open lanes, which can quickly slow traffic. This effect is often more noticeable near entrance and exit ramps, where traffic patterns are already changing.
The duration of delays depends on how quickly the roadway can be cleared. Factors such as vehicle position, traffic density, and road layout all influence how traffic recovers after a crash.
