I-95 completely reopens after Hurricane Florence

By Janine Bowen, WRAL.com editor

Interstate 95 completely reopened throughout North Carolina on Sunday night, according to Gov. Roy Cooper’s office.

A large portion of I-95 in the southeastern part of the state has been closed since Sept. 15, when floodwaters from Hurricane Florence covered the roadway.

According to a press release from Cooper’s office, the floodwaters receded sooner than expected, allowing the Department of Transportation to complete the necessary repairs and inspections to allow the interstate to reopen.

“I-95 is a major artery for North Carolina and the entire East Coast that’s essential for commerce,” Cooper said. “Our state DOT crews and engineers have worked around the clock to get this critical interstate open ahead of schedule and reduce traffic in areas still needed for critical life-saving missions.”

Cooper said DOT officials were able to quickly identify sections that needed repair and a contractor was sent to the site to begin repairs Sunday afternoon.

Although I-95 has reopened, Cooper warned that travel remains dangerous throughout portions of southeastern North Carolina and more than 455 roads remain closed.

“Hundreds of roads across our state remain closed, and flooded and damaged roads remain a danger in many areas. Never drive on flooded roads or around road closure barricades,” Cooper warned. “The barricades are there for a reason. The roads may be unsafe, underwater or in some areas missing.”