Transportation Secretary Tours Flooded Areas in Harnett County by
Tennyson reminds drivers not to drive on flooded roads RALEIGH – On behalf of Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson toured parts of Harnett County today to survey the extent of recent flooding. The Sandhills region has experienced significant rainfall since Wednesday, with some areas receiving as much as 10 inches of rain. “Our first concern is safety,” Tennyson said. “Governor McCrory and I encourage drivers to exercise caution, pay attention and avoid flooded roads.” Tennyson said that transportation crews have already begun a review of the damage to roads and bridges, but a complete assessment of the costs and the needed repairs will not be available until next week. “Once the rain ends, we will start repairs as soon as possible,” he continued. Division 6 Engineer Greg Burns and division maintenance staff traveled with Tennyson throughout the morning. The group visited Thompson Road in Bunn Level, south of Lillington, where a truck overturned when the road collapsed Wednesday night. The motorist inside was able to escape. While the group was inspecting Norrington Road in western Harnett County, an approaching motorist appeared to contemplate driving through a portion of the road that was beneath at least four inches of water. The driver soon realized it would be a mistake and turned around. Tennyson took that opportunity to remind citizens to obey road signs. “Barriers are there for a reason,” he said. “Just one foot water can float many vehicles. ” Governor McCrory’s 2016 budget provides more flexibility for the state’s road maintenance funding, which allowed for the creation of an Emergency and Storm Response Reserve for use in situations like this. For real-time travel information, visit the Traveler Services section of NCDOT.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.
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Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson speaks to the media while touring a flooded area on Norrington Road, south of Lillington, in Harnett County on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. ***NCDOT***