A major bypass in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which had been closed for over 24 hours due to icy conditions, reopened on Thursday afternoon. The closure was a result of wintry weather that caused hazardous driving conditions, particularly the formation of black ice, which made travel dangerous. The bypass, located near the intersection of Highway 24 and Highway 53, was shut down Tuesday evening ahead of a winter storm that affected much of the East Coast.
According to officials, the bypass, which has been in operation since 2006, serves as a key route for managing heavy traffic through the city. “We have a lot of traffic that comes through the community,” said Anthony Prinz, assistant city manager of Jacksonville. He explained that the bypass was built to provide an efficient route for travelers, but its location sometimes makes it susceptible to dangerous weather conditions.
Captain Chris Funcke of the Jacksonville Police Department noted that the sun had briefly melted some of the ice, but colder nighttime temperatures caused significant black ice to form on city roads, creating a treacherous driving environment. “If you have to be out, just use patience, but if you don’t need to go anywhere, stay home,” Funcke advised.
This wasn’t the first time the bypass had been closed due to severe weather conditions. Past winter storms have also led to temporary shutdowns of the route, often caused by accidents resulting from slippery roads. The reopening of the bypass on Thursday afternoon was welcomed by commuters, making travel through the city easier once again.
Prinz emphasized that the bypass has proven to be an essential part of the city’s infrastructure, especially during times of inclement weather when traffic volumes are lower. He also encouraged residents to remain patient during winter storms and to avoid unnecessary travel when conditions are unsafe. The city officials continue to urge the public to stay home if they do not have urgent matters to attend to during bad weather.
