Traveling on I-40 to Raleigh from I-95 this Thurs, Oct 20 (Lumberton: construction, DMV)

[hmrd]

I have relatives who plan to drive to Raleigh from Cocoa FL this Thursday, Oct 20, and want to know whether the portion of their route from I-95 to Raleigh on I-40 is open.

This morning all the discussion on NC511 (NC DMV telephone info) regarding I-40 in NC is about I-40 east of I-95. I'm thinking that this means I-40 west of I-95 is open. Any thoughts on whether I’m right in assuming this, or where I can find out?

Fortunately, this morning I heard on the local news that I-95 North is now open through NC. This was confirmed during my call to NC511.

I also would be interested in any thoughts on how slow the traffic may be on the NC portion of their trip on I-95 and I-40.

[BC1960]

There are no issues with I-40, east or west of I-95. All northbound I-95 lanes are open. NCDOT is reporting that there are 1 lane closures of southbound I-95 at Exit 79 and exit 25.


Google maps is indicating slowdowns on southbound I-95 in relation to the lane closures, but no other issues.

[hmrd]

Thanks very much, BC1960. It seems my relatives' route in NC is clear except for likely slowdowns.

While I'm focused on I-40 west of I-95, I want to mention that the message on NC511 regarding I-40 east of I-95 was confusing to me. It identifies two areas of I-40 that are now open, one near Newton Grove. That's helpful, but it leaves me not knowing whether there are other areas on I-40 east of I-95 that aren't open yet.

I didn't know that Google maps provides information on slowdowns so you've taught me something (thank you). I will have to learn how to get that info.

[SFspiderman]

I-40 is completely open. The Newton Grove section was the last remaining closure on the road, and it reopened last Friday.

[BC1960]

Originally Posted by hmrd

Thanks very much, BC1960. It seems my relatives' route in NC is clear except for likely slowdowns.

While I'm focused on I-40 west of I-95, I want to mention that the message on NC511 regarding I-40 east of I-95 was confusing to me. It identifies two areas of I-40 that are now open, one near Newton Grove. That's helpful, but it leaves me not knowing whether there are other areas on I-40 east of I-95 that aren't open yet.

I didn't know that Google maps provides information on slowdowns so you've taught me something (thank you). I will have to learn how to get that info.

You're welcome. Google Maps is great for traffic information. In the upper left hand corner of Google Maps are 3 horizontal bars...left click on that and then left click on "Traffic". You can see traffic conditions anywhere.

[hmrd]

OK, I did it! I have used google maps for a long time and never clicked on those bars. And I've needed it several times. Maybe I'll go through a little tutorial for google maps, or at least look for more things I haven't clicked. In my defense I'd like to say I'm pretty good at walking around on street view. Thanks very much, BC1960.

[hmrd]

SFspiderman, thanks for the clarification.

[zmcgee]

Update on this.

Apparently there is a tractor trailer fire on Southbound I95 at the moment that has all lanes closed north and south. I assume that it would be cleared by tomorrow, but apparently it had unnamed hazardous material inside of it that is causing the full closures. Worth checking news stations reports on it to make sure it doesn't affect drives tomorrow.

[hmrd]

Thanks zmcgee. I saw something about it on the news and have been following on gmaps, thanks to BC1960. My relatives were delayed so they will be traveling Friday, Oct 21.

There was a long-lasting slowdown area on I-95 N and S about 15 miles N of Lumberton on Oct 20. Gmaps said it was due to construction. It's looking to me like slowdowns may be somewhat common for a few more days at least, especially given all the slowdowns/closings that are still showing on ramps and secondary roads.

I appreciate all the help from everyone.