When will I-95 reopen? Part of interstate closed after severe flooding in North Carolina
Heavy rain drenched central North Carolina on Thursday, flooding roads and forcing parts of Interstate 95 to close.
A stretch of the major East Coast thoroughfare reopened in Johnston County as of Friday afternoon, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. The left northbound lane remained closed near mile marker 104, leaving one lane open for traffic and potentially creating a “high” impact on traffic.
Drivers wanting to take another route should get off at exit 97 onto U.S. 70 West, according to officials.
“Continue on US-70 West to US-301 North,” the N.C. Department of Transportation said. “Continue on US-301 north to re-access I-95.”
The portion of I-95 reopened to drivers after it closed due to “rainwater seeping underground and causing the pavement to buckle,” officials said Friday afternoon on Twitter. The left lane is expected to be closed as officials repair the roadway “by next week,” according to the post.
The projection comes after flooding near Wilson closed another part of the interstate, which has since reopened.
“The rain may have ended but hazards remain,” the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office said on Friday morning. “Numerous roads remain closed & several rivers continue to rise. Use caution while traveling & leave extra time in case you encounter a closed roadway. Never drive around barricades.”
Across the state, officials say several people died after heavy rain fell on Thursday.
This story was originally published November 13, 2020 at 9:13 AM.
