Multiple roads close as Neuse River rises
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on April 29, 2017 8:05 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Multiple roads around Wayne County are closed as the level of the Neuse River rises and floods low-lying areas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Neuse River had exceeded initial estimates and risen to 24.23 feet at 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
The river was expected to crest at 23.7 feet early Monday before dropping to 21 feet by late Tuesday night.
Now data shows the river dropping to 21 feet by Wednesday evening.
Road closures as of Saturday evening according to DriveNC.gov were as follows:
• Arrington Bridge Road
• Old Smithfield Road
• Stevens Mill Road
• Raynor Mill Road
• Mill Creek Road
• Bryan Boulevard
• Ferry Bridge Road
• Lassiter Road
• Evans Road
• Capps Bridge Road
• Buck Swamp Road
• Claridge Nursery Road
• Bridgers Road
• Memorial Church Road
• Antioch Road
• Casey Mill Road
• Pecan Road
• Old Mount Olive Highway
• Emmaus Church Road
• Slick Rock Road
Wayne County Office of Emergency Services Director Mel Powers said while these road closures mean there are barricades in place on them, making the route impassable.
Water Saturday was also creeping up alongside U.S. 117 in both directions.
Powers said flood waters in the western portion of Wayne County have already begun receding.
"I think we're starting to crest out now," Power said.
He also said if you come across a road that is flooded, turn around.
Do not try to pass through standing water or go around barricades, even if the road looks clear. Flooding can cause washouts underneath the road, making it unsafe to travel over.
"We want everybody to understand we put out those barricade signs for a reason," Powers said. We've already done about four water rescues and we found out during Hurricane Matthew that if the road is washed out, you can't always tell it's washed out."
Powers said if your route requires taking a road that is closed, it is not worth trying to drive through or finding a detour. He said the best thing to do is hang tight and wait for the waters to recede.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov and track flooding through the ReadyNC mobile application, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Android users.