Crashes at Bradley Point intersection raise concerns among residents

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - WTOC is following up on a crash Thursday morning at the Bradley Pointe exit on Highway 17.

Neighbors say the intersection has become increasingly dangerous as traffic and development on the corridor continue to rise.

Residents at Bradley Pointe told WTOC that leaving the subdivision feels risky every day, especially with children in the car.

A recent study shows the Highway 17 corridor recorded 3,621 crashes from 2018 to 2022, with overall and fatal crash rates two to three times higher than statewide averages for similar roadways.

“Leaving the neighborhood is frightening,” one resident said. “Sometimes I’m scared to even turn into the neighborhood.”

Many neighbors say traffic has surged as new homes are built, and that the subdivision’s single entry and exit onto Highway 17 compounds the danger. For years, they have pushed the county for a traffic signal or a second exit.

“Like going to the left out of the intersection, forget about it. I think most of us just end up making a U-turn,” said Patrycja Strzepek, a Bradley Pointe resident.

The county’s SPLOST 8 sales-tax package includes $5 million designated for road improvements along the Highway 17 corridor.

Chatham County recently completed a traffic study with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), but officials say the Bradley Pointe Boulevard intersection does not yet meet state criteria for a traffic signal. The study indicates conditions could change by 2026 and prompt a reevaluation.

“The residents of Bradley Pointe need and deserve a light,” said Aaron Whitely, Chatham County commissioner for the 6th District.

Others urged faster action.

“That seems like a really, really long time that somebody could get hurt seriously or die again in this area,” said Monique, a neighbor.

Last year, severe flooding trapped residents inside the subdivision for a week, strengthening calls for an alternate exit. Several people shared personal accounts of collisions at the intersection. Marcus Smith, who has lived in the neighborhood six years, described an accident in which his partner and children were t-boned; their vehicle rolled over and all three were taken to the hospital.

“My 4-year-old doesn’t like traffic now because she’s afraid... but it’s the constant... you don’t know what’s gonna happen,” Smith said.

WTOC has contacted GDOT, which is collecting its own data on the corridor.

County officials say they are monitoring crash and traffic-volume trends and will pursue improvements as warranted.

Until changes are made, residents say they are taking extra precautions when entering and leaving the neighborhood while hoping officials will act before another serious crash occurs.

County and state transportation officials say they will continue to review crash data and traffic volumes.

Residents and elected officials say they will keep pressing for a solution to improve safety at the Bradley Pointe intersection.

If you have information about the crash or concerns about Highway 17 safety, contact the Chatham County Commissioner’s office or GDOT’s district office.