NCDOT works ahead of Hurricane Florence

NCDOT crews preparing for Hurricane Florence. (source: NCDOT)

Transportation officials getting equipment and gear ready as the storm grows closer. (source: NCDOT)

Wilmington DOT maintenance engineer explains how transportation crews are making sure the roads are safe before, during and after the hurricane. (source: NCDOT)

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) –

Officials with several departments with the state are working to prepare for Hurricane Florence, including transportation officials.

According to a press release from NCDOT, employees are readying their response equipment which includes bulldozers, chainsaws, and motor graders. This is to make sure they are in good, working order.

“Equipment readiness is just like your home. It’s very key.” says Gerard Butler, a maintenance engineer for DOT’s Wilmington highway division. “You need a good plan. And for us to have that plan and it implements, is dire. It provides that more quicker response in order to be on site to take of the emergency situations at hand.”

Transportation employees are also contacting local contractions and equipment providers to make sure resources are available to assist if needed. Butler says you don’t know what to expect in major weather like hurricanes.

“Slow down. Drive with caution, especially during the nighttime hours. Just around the corner, there may be a tree down. There may be a flooded road, or there may be a road that’s washed out.” says Butler.

DOT officials say they are in the pre-planning stage as of Monday evening. They do plan to offer protective services during the storm, up to a point where it becomes hazardous for employees.

After the storm, transportation will send out crews to assess and prioritize damage.

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