Charleston Closes West Ashley Greenway After Sewer Break
A second sewer main rupture in three weeks has shut down a segment of the West Ashley Greenway between Coburg Road and Farmfield Avenue.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Utilities
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The Charleston Water System closed the West Ashley Greenway between Coburg Road and Farmfield Avenue on November 4 after a sewer main rupture on November 3 released sewage. The trail segment was also closed after a separate sewer main break on October 20.
Why it matters
The repeated failures on the same trail segment highlight the condition of aging sewer infrastructure serving the West Ashley area of Charleston. The water system advises the public to avoid nearby bodies of water until bacteria testing confirms safe levels.
The West Ashley Greenway segment has been closed by two sewer main breaks three weeks apart, on October 20 and November 3. The volume of sewage released on November 3 has not yet been determined, and no reopening date has been announced.
The players
Charleston Water System
The Charleston Water System is the public utility responsible for water and sewer service in Charleston, South Carolina, and is managing the repair of the broken sewer main.
The details
The Charleston Water System closed the trail segment between Coburg Road and Farmfield Avenue on November 4 following a sewer main rupture. The utility is evaluating whether to repair the broken pipe in place or replace an undetermined length of it, a decision scheduled for November 3.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: A sewer main rupture first closed the same trail segment.
November 3, 2026: A second sewer main rupture released sewage and the repair-or-replace decision was scheduled.
November 4, 2026: The trail segment was closed again.
Infrastructure Pattern
The second rupture on the same trail segment three weeks after the October 20, 2026 break suggests a recurring problem in the sewer line beneath the West Ashley Greenway. The water system has said the two incidents were unrelated.
The West Ashley Greenway segment between Coburg Road and Farmfield Avenue is closed to walkers, runners, and cyclists until the utility completes repairs and testing. Residents should avoid nearby bodies of water until bacteria testing confirms safe levels.
The takeaway
Trail users should plan alternate routes while the segment is closed and stay out of nearby water until the Charleston Water System confirms bacteria levels are safe. Checking for official updates before heading to the West Ashley Greenway can help avoid wasted trips.
What happens next
The Charleston Water System is scheduled to decide on November 3 whether to repair the broken pipe in place or replace an undetermined length of it, and the trail's reopening date will depend on bacteria testing results.
Further reading
Explore more Utilities coverage for context on how sewer infrastructure issues affect Charleston residents.
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