Raleigh, N.C. – Two weeks after Hurricane Matthew slammed eastern North Carolina, residents are still reeling from the storm’s impact. Crews from the N.C. Department of Transportation are doing everything they can to help life return to normal.
“Our staff is working tirelessly to assess the damage and repair our roads and bridges,” said Greg Burns, division engineer for Division Six. “While we have made great progress, it may take several months for all the routes to be repaired.”
Transportation workers continue to review damaged sites and determine a method of repair. They are being assisted by co-workers from Raleigh, Charlotte, Hickory, Winston-Salem and Asheville who are supporting efforts with debris removal, pipe replacements and damage assessments.
While crews have opened more than half of the 600 roads closed due to the storm, about 300 roads across the state remain closed as of Monday. This total includes 16 roads in Bladen County, 10 in Columbus County, 17 in Cumberland County, 20 in Harnett County, 79 in Robeson County, six in Hoke County, two in Lee County and one each in Moore and Richmond counties.
Among the roads in the Fayetteville and Sandhills areas that are either still completely closed in sections or that have lane closures are U.S. 76 and 301, as well as N.C. 27, 82, 87, 211, 401 and 904.
Residents are reminded again to not remove or drive around barricades and attempt to travel on a closed road, even if it appears safe.
“Even if a road no longer has water over it, it can still be dangerous,” said Brandon Jones, division engineer for Division Eight, which includes the south-central part of the state. “The barricades are there because repairs are needed, and you may not be able to see the damage under the road surface.”
For real-time travel information, visit the Traveler Services section of NCDOT.gov, call 511, follow NCDOT on Twitter or check the ReadyNCmobile app. Visit the website for updates on Hurricane Matthew Recovery and relief efforts.
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