NORTH CAROLINA -- It’s been more than a week since Florence hit the Carolina coast, and while much of the hard hit areas are still dealing with road closures, Interstates 95 and 40 and U.S. 74 are back open.

The announcement came down from Gov. Roy Cooper just before midnight Monday and again Monday afternoon. U.S. 70 is expected to be fully open tomorrow.

 

 

He says floodwaters that covered the interstate following Hurricane Florence receded quicker than expected, and that’s why the NCDOT was able to complete the repairs and inspections needed to reopen the road.

Crews worked around the clock for nearly 10 days to get the interstate back open. Over the weekend, officials also announced three safe, alternate routes the public may use to access Wilmington.

NCDOT says they’re still waiting for the water to recede, then inspect for damage and make any necessary repairs before reopening the roads.

Keep in mind there are still 400 roads across our state that remain closed from floodwater and damage.

So if you see barricades, remember they’re in place for a reason. The roads may be unsafe, underwater or in some areas, missing.  

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