Augusta, GA
Augusta traffic continues to build due to Helene’s impact
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Honking horns, long red lights and bumper-to-bumper traffic continue across Augusta.
Now that many are back to normal work schedules, you probably noticed the difference during rush hour traffic.
So, what’s the issue?
The intersection of Walton Way and Fleming Avenue is one of two in Richmond County that still does not have power.
Traffic Engineering says they expect to have the light up and running next week.
Turning the lights on is only the first step to getting traffic moving normally again.
Think about the clocks in your house. Chances are each clock reads a different time.
“That’s the same with traffic signals. We need them all off to run off the same clock, and we use the internet to set the clocks. And so as soon as they’re all on the same time, then we can start coordinating things the way that people are used to,” said John Ussery, assistant director of Traffic Engineering in Augusta.
It’s why you’re sitting at a red light longer than usual.
“We need to reestablish communications with our traffic signals. The reason that’s important is all the traffic signals need to run off the same clock. And if they run off the same clock, then we can get the coordination timing in and some of the adaptive timing back in. The other thing is the video detection needs to be working correctly in order for us to do that,” said Ussery.
CSRA golf courses continue to recover from Helene
Golf courses around the CSRA were not immune to Helene’s impact, changing the field of play in some cases. We were able to get our News 12 drone over the Patch on Thursday to get a firsthand look at all the damage.
Once that’s done, Ussery says, “Roads like Peach Orchard or Washington Road, then they’ll flow better than they do today.”
The volume of traffic on the roads is something Traffic Engineering says is higher than what they normally see this time of year.
“Masters traffic is a good comparison. We’ve just seen a lot of traffic everywhere, even on times that we’re not used to seeing that much traffic. Normally, you see a lot of traffic in the morning when people go to work and in the afternoon when they go home,” he said.
In the meantime, just know it may take a little longer to get to work or to drive home.
“There’s just a lot of people sort of all over the place. The timing does play a part in that but at the same time it’s just the volumes are higher It’s not just the timing,” said Ussery.
Traffic Engineering says their goal is to have the lights running like normal by Christmas.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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