One week after the Hurricane Matthew invasion, areas from Florida up to North Carolina are still recovering, with many roads still damaged and closed to traffic.
Following is a list of road closures, and while things are getting better, that may still be in place. It’s best to check locally, because changes are happening by the minute.
North Carolina
The North Carolina DOT is reporting that multiple roadways are closed in the central and eastern parts of the state, including sections of Interstate 95 and Interstate 40.
I-95 is closed at the following locations:
I-95 South closed between Exit 81 (I-40) and Exit 77 (Hodges Chapel Road) in Johnston County;
I-95 South closed between Exit 56 (US-301) and Exit 13 (I-74) in Cumberland; and Robeson County.
I-95 North is closed between Exit 13 (US-74) and Exit 22 (US-301) in Robeson County.
I-40 West is closed east of I-95, between Exit 341 (NC 55) to Exit 334 (NC 96) between Newton Grove and Benson. NCDOT has provided motorists with the suggested routes below.
Entering North Carolina from Virginia on I-95:
All southbound traffic from North Carolina/Virginia state line should travel south on I-95 to U.S. 64 West;
Once on U.S. 64 West, travel west toward I-440 West;
Once on I-440 West, motorists will travel to U.S. 1 South;
From U.S. 1 South, motorists will continue to U.S. 501 South in Aberdeen/Southern Pines;
Continue on U.S. 501 South through Aberdeen toward U.S. 74 East; and then
Motorists will travel U.S. 74 East to I-95 South.
Motorists traveling on I-95 South from US-264 may use the following alternate route:
Travel south on I-95 to I-40 West;
Once on I-40 West, travel west toward Sanford/U.S. 1 South;
Motorists will then travel U.S. 1 South to U.S. 501 South;
Once on U.S. 501 South, travel toward U.S. 74 East; and then
Motorists will travel U.S. 74 East to I-95 South.
Motorists traveling southbound on I-95 from I-40 should use the following detour:
All southbound traffic will be required to exit off onto U.S. 301 (Exit 56) and travel toward NC-162 West;
Motorists will then travel NC-162 West toward U.S. 401 South;
Once on U.S. 401 South, motorists will travel to U.S. 74 East; and then
Motorists will travel U.S. 74 East to I-95 South.
Motorists traveling northbound on I-95 should use the following detour:
All northbound traffic will be required to exit onto U.S. 74 West (Exit 13) and travel westbound toward Laurinburg;
Once on U.S. 74, motorists will then travel toward U.S. 501 North;
Once on U.S. 501, motorists will then travel to U.S. 1 North toward Sanford; and then
Once on U.S. 1, motorists will travel north to I-40 East until merging onto I-95.
North Carolina has temporarily suspended motor vehicle regulations for those involved in relief efforts. The emergency declaration ends on Nov. 2.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Transportation activated debris removal contracts on Monday afternoon for the following counties: Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Horry, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston, Colleton, Jasper and Beaufort.
Several roadways in the state are still closed as of press time, including a section of SC 41 in Marion County from Millers Road to SC 917 in Dillon County. Maiden Swamp Bridge on SC 41 in Marion County between Mullins and Dillon was damaged.
An interactive road closure map can be accessed here or searched by county here.
South Carolina activated a waiver of weight and HOS limitations on Oct. 4. The waiver is still active and the expiration date is to be determined.
Georgia
According to Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, local officials can impose restrictions on re-entry. Some areas east of I-95 are still without power and water/sewage services, and several roads continue to be inaccessible. Hurricane Matthew was the first storm with hurricane-force winds to hit the Georgia coast since 1979, according to GEMHSA.
Georgia Department of Transportation crews continue to clear debris from the roadways. Motorists are encouraged to fill up their fuel tank when returning to coastal areas as fuel shortages have been reported.
Georgia’s state of emergency declaration was set to expire on Oct. 11. However, Gov. Nathan Deal extended the declaration for Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh counties until Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Florida
Florida Department of Transportation is reporting one remaining closure from the hurricane: SR A1A in Flagler Beach.
Hours-of-service requirements for trucks providing services and supplies for relief efforts have been suspended until Oct. 30.
Gov. Scott activated the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on Monday, Oct. 10. The bridge loan program “will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm and recovery efforts,” according to a press release. Applications can be submitted at FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
