Truckers in North Carolina are being urged to stick to main highways after Hurricane Helene caused road closures in the state.
What's happening: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) issued a travel alert on October 3, specifically telling truckers to avoid secondary roads due to storm damage.
- Interstates like I-40 and I-26 are currently closed in parts of western North Carolina.
- Truckers have been advised to keep to interstates or U.S. and N.C. routes that are safe to use, with certain roads completely off-limits.
Areas to avoid: US 441/Newfound Gap Road is one such area where commercial vehicles are always restricted due to safety concerns.
- The National Park Service has been turning away trucks attempting to enter this winding route.
From the source: "There are shortages of water, food, gas, power, and communications in western North Carolina," warns NCDOT. Travel is very limited, affecting daily routes and hurricane responses.
Truckers should also avoid US 129 (SR 115) in Blount County, Tennessee, known as "The Dragon," due to restrictions on vehicles longer than 30 feet, reported TN.gov.
While navigating these challenges, truckers are praised for their vital role in keeping supply chains moving, especially during crisis times.