WILMINGTON — N.C. Department of Transportation crews are out in force today in the six counties that comprise Division 3: Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Sampson and Duplin counties. Bolstered by additional equipment and personnel from across the state, local workers have been busy treating and removing ice from roads and bridges.
From the beginning of the storm, Division 3 has had more of an ice issue than other parts of the state. That has made road clearing more challenging as ice can’t be plowed. And with salt ineffective to melt ice when the overnight temperature gets into the teens, it takes longer the next day for the ice to begin melting once the temperature reaches the 20’s. The combination of the tons of salt put down, sustained temperatures in the 20’s and the sunny conditions expected this weekend should help break up the ice and allow crews to make good progress this weekend.
The interstates in the region are currently clear with icy spots, however, conditions on other highways and primary routes vary by county. In Brunswick, New Hanover and Onslow counties they are partially covered with snow and ice. Four-lane divided roads in Pender and Duplin counties are clear with icy spots, as are most primary roads in Sampson County. Most secondary roads across the region remain covered by snow and ice. Crews will shift their focus to those roads once the divided and primary roads are clear.
Road-clearing assistance has come from as far away as the northwest section of the state. Joining local workers are crews with 19 additional trucks with spreaders and plows and 10 motor-graders, which help push melting ice off the roads.
Transportation officials urge drivers to avoid going out if possible. Those who must venture out on the roads are urged to slow down and leave extra space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to lessen the chance of a collision. In addition, drivers who encounter NCDOT road clearing crews and their equipment should leave plenty of distance to allow crews to spread salt and safely plow the road.
Drivers can check www.DriveNC.gov to get travel updates, which are also available on the NCDOT twitter accounts.