Augusta, GA

The days of out-of-whack traffic lights in the CSRA could be over soon

Published

3 days ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

The days of out-of-whack traffic lights in the CSRA could be over soon

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s not just you – since Hurricane Helene, local stoplights have been out-of-wack.

After the storm, city engineers told us the system that all the traffic lights communicated on was taken offline.

The good news is, that should be over shortly.

If you’ve sat for what feels like forever at intersections around town, it may have something to do with some of the traffic lights being off.

After Hurricane Helene, only 34 of 275 traffic signals were working.

Three months later, John Ussery, the assistant traffic director, says all signals are working as they were before the storm except for a couple along Washington Road and Riverwatch Parkway.

That’s because the communications network to those signals was damaged by uprooted trees and they are currently being fixed.

Ussery also says the traffic patterns and volumes haven’t returned to normal, so that is why some signals seem to be busier than they were before.

It’s something Nick Bates says he’s noticed while driving around.

“It is more of a problem now than it was before the storm,” said Bates. “Traffic will back up and it will just stay red forever, and when it does turn green, it’s green for like two seconds. It’s not unheard of to sit through a light for four or five cycles. It depends on the time of day. Rush hour? You can sit there for nearly 10 minutes.”

Ussery says they are monitoring traffic and adjusting the timing.

“The fact that we, along with the Georgia Department of Transportation, were able to accomplish this task in just three months is unprecedented,” said Ussery.

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Augusta, GA

Suspect arrested in broad-daylight murder of 50-year-old in Augusta

Published

3 hours ago

January 3, 2025

Press Room

Suspect arrested in broad-daylight murder of 50-year-old in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on Friday announced an arrest in connection with a November fatal shooting in Augusta.

De’Narian Cobb, 25, of Waynesboro, is charged in connection with the Nov. 21 shooting death of Chavious Kimmerlin, 50, at Kimmerlin’s home in the 500 block of Highland Avenue.

Cobb was found around 7:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at his home in the 500 block of Eighth Street in Waynesboro after Richmond County and Burke County deputies went there to take him in for questioning in connection with the shooting.

During their interview with him, Richmond County investigators said they found enough probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant.

Cobb is currently at the Burke County Detention Center for charges that occurred in that jurisdiction.

Once the judicial process is completed in Burke County, Cobb will be extradited to Richmond County and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on the charges of murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to Richmond County deputies.

Kimmerlin’s slaying in broad daylight shocked those who lived and worked in the neighborhood.

A woman who works at the Wing Express across the street said the victim had just been there the night before getting food.

“It’s scary out here,” she said. “I just come into work every day and pray I make it back to my car.”

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Augusta, GA

22-year-old killed by crash in front of Fort Eisenhower

Published

13 hours ago

January 3, 2025

Press Room

22-year-old killed by crash in front of Fort Eisenhower

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man was killed in a crash Thursday morning in front of Gate 1 at Fort Eisenhower.

The crash occurred on Gordon Highway at Jimmy Dyess Parkway.

David Houck, 22 years old from Fort Eisenhower was attempting to cross Gordon Highway when his vehicle was struck by an eastbound vehicle.

Houck was taken to Wellstar/MCG Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:54 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

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Augusta, GA

Man, 22, dies in Augusta crash during morning work rush

Published

21 hours ago

January 3, 2025

Press Room

Man, 22, dies in Augusta crash during morning work rush

An autopsy is scheduled for a 22-year-old man who died Monday in a two-vehicle collision.

David Houck of Fort Eisenhower was trying to cross Gordon Highway, where it intersects with Jimmie Dyess Parkway, when a vehicle traveling in the same direction hit Houck’s vehicle.

Houck was pronounced dead at 8:54 a.m. at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

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