The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports that driving conditions remain dangerous across much of the greater Fayetteville area as floodwaters continue to rise and force more road closures.
Flooding has caused the N.C. Department of Transportation to close the Person Street bridge over the Cape Fear River in downtown Fayetteville, and the department has closed another section of Interstate 95, from mile marker 46 to 56, over the same river. Transportation officials also are closely monitoring the nearby Grove Street over the Cape Fear in Fayetteville. If the water level reaches the girders, which support the deck, the department will close the bridge as well.
With the latest closure, I-95 will be closed in both directions between exits 13 and 56 and between exits 65 and 81. Near Rocky Mount, southbound traffic is being detoured off the freeway at exit 138 and being sent to Charlotte and into South Carolina.
State transportation officials will continue to monitor water levels and open I-95 as soon as possible. Closed sections of U.S. 74 in Columbus and Robeson counties are also flooded.
“We have to wait for floodwaters to recede before inspections can be performed to make sure it is safe to reopen roads to motorists.” said Drew Cox, the Division 6 maintenance engineer.
Transportation officials urged people to avoid driving in southeastern North Carolina where rivers are rising and numerous roads are impassable.
The following is a rundown of major closures as of Tuesday morning, in addition to I-95 and U.S. 74, in the five counties that make up Division 6:
- Bladen: U.S. 701, N.C. 20, N.C. 41, N.C. 53, N.C. 131, N.C. 210, N.C. 211, N.C. 211 Business, N.C. 242 and N.C. 410
- Columbus: U.S. 74, U.S. 74 Business, U.S. 76, U.S. 701 Bypass, U.S. 701 Business, N.C. 87, N.C. 130, N.C. 211, N.C. 214, N.C. 904 and N.C. 905
- Cumberland: I-95, U.S. 13, U.S. 301, N.C. 24, N.C. 53, N.C. 59, N.C. 87, N.C. 210 and N.C. 690
- Harnett: I-95, U.S. 401, N.C. 27, N.C. 82, N.C. 210 and N.C. 217
- Robeson: I-74, I-95, U.S. 74, U.S. 301, U.S. 501, N.C. 41, N.C. 71, N.C. 72, N.C. 83, N.C. 130, N.C. 211 and N.C. 904
The division has more than 200 secondary roads with washouts or closures in the hurricane’s wake. The number of closures has been rising this week as flooding inundates the division’s counties. The division has 350 employees, plus engineering firms and contractors, working in the Florence recovery effort.
The division sustained some of the worst damage in North Carolina. Across the state, there are more than 1,000 road closures, including Interstate 40, as well as numerous highways and other primary routes. While road conditions are starting to improve in some parts of the state, rising creeks, streams and rivers continue to make travel unsafe in many areas of North Carolina.
For more I-95 construction and travel information, visit www.i95exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to I-95, America’s Interstate Main Street. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida! Plus I-95 construction, real-time traffic and road news.
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I’m trying to get home to Jacksonville North Carolina from Maryland. What route can i take I’m towing a 5th wheel camper need diesel fuel stations also prefer truck stops for clearance height
That’s a tough one. I-95 is where you’ll fine most truck stops/diesel fuel… but major portions of I-95 are closed on North Carolina.
As of today (9/19/2018) you could take I-95 south as far as you can go then head east to intersect with NC 11, then south on NC 11 to US 258 south to Jacksonville. That route is tentative, AS OF TODAY, and can change hourly.
I’m trying to get back home to Pembroke N.C. from Durham NC and with I-95 closed, I was wondering if there is any alternative routes I could take to get there. I would really appreciate the help! Thank you!!
From Durham, NC take NC147 south to US 1 south to NC 211 south to Pembroke appears to be open. Conditions change rapidly so this route is not a guarantee.
Hello, here in Pennsylvania but need to go back home in Florida, how if I 95 is close. Recomendation please!!!
Best way to get to Brunswick, GA from Alexandria, Va?
From Brunswick,GA take I-95 north to Florence, SC then US 401 to I-74 north to I-40 east to I-85 north to I-95 north to Alexandria. This route is open NOW, but can change at any time due to continuing flood conditions.
How much time does this add to the drive?
It depends on what routes you take and how far out of the way do you go to feel comfortable. Most detours will a several hours to your trip.
Hello, here in Pennsylvania but need to go back home in Florida, how if I 95 is close. Recomendation please!!! Leaving on Friday
North Carolina DOT says: “I-95 Southbound traffic from Virginia should use US-64 West (Exit 138) to I-540 West to I-40 West to US-321 South to I-85 South.”
My husband and I are planning a trip from Balto. MD to Port St. Lucie Florida beginning on Friday September 28 – is it recommended that we plan on taking these alternate routes, avoiding North Carolina altogether, or is it possible that I-95 would be open by then? We just don’t know – and if you don’t at this point, we understand.
Thank you!
Christine and Harry Schilling
I would wait a few more days before making that decision. A lot can happen and conditions should improve.
Does anyone know how far out of the way this route is or how long it will take?
I’m trying to get to the Outer Banks from Savannah GA with I95n closed in NC can someone give me a alternate route.
The North Carolina DOT recommends avoiding that state (9/20/18). With that consideration we suggest:
From Savannah take I-95 north to I-26 north to I-77 north to I-85 north to US64 east to the Outer Banks. This route is open at this time.
I had friends who are currently in OBX this week, they were spared the brunt of Florence, if you can get there, you’ll have a place to stay. Safe travels
I need to drive from Jacksonville FL to Williamsburg Va. What is the best route since portions of I95 are closed.
The North Carolina DOT recommends avoiding that state (9/20/18). With that consideration we suggest:
From Jacksonville take I-95 north to I-26 north to I-77 north to I-85 north to I-64 east to Williamsburg. This route is open at this time.
Is that Williamsburg, Virginia?
Yes.
I live near Savannah Georgia and am trying to get home to my mom in Jacksonville NC. Can u tell me the best way to get there and what roads are closed. I only know 95 north till exit 13 or 14 right inside of NC to 74 76. Plz help
The North Carolina DOT recommends avoiding that state (9/20/18). Between Savannah and Jacksonville, NC is some of the worst flooding in the state and rivers are still rising. We would strongly suggest that you wait a few days and hope the conditions improve. If you absolutely must travel, information suggests US 17 is currently open (but that’s today, not necessarily tomorrow)
I am trying to get to Dillon SC from Lumberton, NC
It may be possible to take this route (although status of these roadways may change):
I-95 north to NC 1003 east to NC 41 north to Lumberton.
Hi
Is it possible to get from Washington DC to Fayetteville, NC?
No, it’snot impossible, Just difficult. I would suggest that you wait a day or two until waters recede and more roads open.
I am traveling from Clearwater FL area to Maryland. What is the best route to bypass 95 road closures?I was thinking about heading to Charlotte then to Maryland, is that a good route? I’ll be stopping at ahotel for overnight mid point. I also need to know about rest areas, rest stops. I’m traveling with a cancer patientso I need access to stopping points. ~Thank you
From Clearwater, take I-75 north to I-10 east to I-95 north to I-26 west to I-77 north to I-85 north and I-95 north to Baltimore.
Thank you very much. Are there any updates to this route back to MD from Clearwater or is it still the same as of now?
I-95 in South Carolina is now open. Portions of I-95 in North Carolina remain closed.
I need to drive from Tampa FL, in a box truck with commercial plates to New York. What is the best route from I -95 in florida yo take after hurricane florence.
From Tampa, take I-75 north to I-10 east to I-95 north to I-26 west to I-77 north to I-85 north and I-95 north to New York.
We have a vacation planned in Savannah Georgia next Wednesday. We postponed two weeks ago due to the upcoming storm and this is the date we rescheduled for. We are driving from Maryland. Is it safe to drive at this time or should we postpone for a later date?
I personally think travel will be much improved by Wednesday… but not totally free of detours. Detours will likely be localized, rather than regional. Another thing to consider would be availability of lodging, food and gas. There were many businesses impacted by the hurricane. Let’s hope things get back to normal sooner than later.
I personally think travel will be much improved by Wednesday… but not totally free of detours. Detours will likely be localized, rather than regional. Another thing to consider would be availability of lodging, food and gas. There were many businesses impacted by the hurricane. Let’s hope things get back to normal sooner than later.
I have rescheduled my drive from Pa to Roanoke Rapids for Sunday, hoping the roads will be improved. I am heading home to Florida. Is this a good plan? I have doctor appointments I need to get back for, already changed them once.
Roads may be in a lot better shape by Sunday. The NCDOT is dedicated to getting highways back up and running ASAP. I would visit our updates regularly as we post new information as soon as it comes in.
My son attends Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC and they are opening school on Monday, September 24th. He needs to get back there on Sunday the 23rd from Stafford, VA off I-95 in VA. What is the safest way to get to Ramsey Street in Fayetteville from I-95 in VA?
He may need to take I-85 south to US 501 south to NC 87 south and approach Fayetteville from the west. There are still many local roads in and around Fayetteville that are closed. Perhaps by Sunday most of those may be open.
Trying to get to Fayetteville NC from Raleigh NC…usually use 40 to 95..parts on I95 closed…any suggestions
I-40 from Raleigh to just before I-95 is open (as of today). Take I-40 east to exit 325 (NC 242), then NC 242 south to Benson, then US 301 south to Godwin, then NC 82 east to I-95. South on I-95 the south on US 301 into Fayetteville. Be aware that this route may change as flooding continues and many local roads in the Fayetteville area remain impassible.
Stating a new job 10/1. How do I get from Atlanta to Fayetteville, NC?
I-20 east to I-95 north. South Carolina just announced I-95 is open and all the I-95 closures in North Carolina are north of Fayetteville.
So this tells me that my daughter, who driving from Columbia over to I-95 and southbound from there will be okay. Correct?
Columbia, SC east on I-26 to I-95 south is OK.
We are in Vermont and normally take I-95 back home to Florida. But with I-95 closed what is the best way to get there?
Right now, the most reliable way is I-95 north to I-26 west to I-77 north to I-85 north to I-95 north.
When will I 95 be reopened
NCDOT says next week sometime.
When driving 95. Will each exit be marked no gas..food or lodging. Sometimes easy on/off exits are not marked well!! Would be so helpful if exits were identified until all exits are restored!!
Will each exit be marked…I doubt it. Yes, it would be very helpful… but not practical. Department of Transportation officials are busy enough working on getting the roads up and running… and North Carolina officially recommends avoiding traveling thru I-95 altogether.
Traveling on vacation from LaPlata, Maryland to Hilton Head, SC via 95 S. Are the roads safe for traveling and what is the suggested travel route?
I-95 in all states is open.
Thank you fir all the info. So its safe to drive from Florida to Virginia via 95?
Yes.
Great news. No new closures expected hopefully. So we can travel straight thru N. Carolina now to our exit 14 in Lumberton? Anyone have any word on 74 East off of 95?
The is no exit 14 on I-95 in Lumberton.
Sorry about the exit number mix up. We are traveling 95 S from Maryland. I believe it is 13 A/B in Lumberton area. We are trying to get to North Myrtle Beach and usually go 74 E, exiting towards Bladenboro/Chadbourn area to NC 410 S to 701 E to SC 9 South. Any info on these routes would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
I-95 south from Maryland is open. Once in Lumberton I-95, exit 13 will get you on I-74/US74 east to NC 410 to US 701 SC 9… however, info shows portions of SC 9 to Myrtle Beach are still closed as of today. From I-74/US74 you may need to take NC 130 south, then US 17 south and approach North Myrtle Beach from the north. Most western approaches remain closed.
Thank you so much!
There is no exit 14 on I-95 in Lumberton.
Hello, I will be traveling from Beaufort, SC to Northern VA on Friday..will 95 North be clear the whole way?
Yes.
I am trying to get from Tampa, FL TO Wake Forest, NC tomorrow~ Anyone have an update on the weather of Hurricane Michael?
You and Hurricane Michael will be headed in the same direction tomorrow. You should both get there at the same time. No reports yet on road closures.