Semi-Truck Driver Reverses on Charleston Interchange

A witness captured video of a truck backing up through the busy I-64/I-77 highway split in Charleston.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Car Types

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a highway interchange junction, evoking the hazards of unsafe driving and traffic safety.
Charleston police are investigating a dangerous traffic incident from Wednesday involving a semi-truck reversing through the busy I-64/I-77 highway interchange. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A video captured on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, shows a semi-truck operator reversing their vehicle at the I-64/I-77 split in Charleston. The maneuver caused other motorists to swerve as the truck pulled back into traffic.

Why it matters

Interstate highway maneuvers like reversing pose significant safety hazards to other commuters. Local authorities monitor such incidents closely to ensure safe traffic flow on busy interchanges.

The speed limit through the interchange was recently lowered to 50 mph from the previous 60 mph limit. The site of the incident is located just a quarter mile from the next interstate exit.

The players

West Virginia Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the maintenance and management of highway infrastructure across West Virginia.

Charleston Police Department

This law enforcement agency is tasked with maintaining public safety and enforcing traffic regulations within Charleston.

The details

The driver stopped the semi-truck at the interstate divide before reversing the vehicle through the interchange. Charleston police indicated that officers could issue a citation if they witness a driver reversing on the interstate.

Timeline

  1. The speed limit through the interchange was lowered to 50 mph the week of October 19, 2026.

  2. The semi-truck was recorded reversing on the I-64 interstate on October 28, 2026.

  3. The state began installing high-friction surface treatment the week of October 26, 2026.

Roadmap

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing large commercial vehicle traffic on complex urban interstate interchanges. It underscores how transportation departments must balance infrastructure upgrades like high-friction surfaces with strict enforcement to maintain road safety.

Commuters traveling through the I-64/I-77 split should note the lower 50 mph speed limit currently in effect. Drivers should also remain alert for ongoing high-friction surface installation work in the area.

The takeaway

Drivers should always prioritize using designated turnarounds or exits rather than reversing on busy interstates. Being aware of changing speed limits and construction zones helps ensure safer travel for everyone on the road.

Further reading

For more information on interstate traffic safety and vehicle operations, visit Car Types.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsaz.

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