How can I find out what roads are closed after a natural disaster?
Answer
USDOT provides a great deal of funding for highway projects and programs, but doesn't track status of individual highways.
The State DOTs are going to have more information about road closures than the USDOT would, because State and Local governments are primarily responsible for opening/closing roads. Bear in mind that conditions are often changing pretty rapidly after a natural disaster, so what is true one day may not be the next. Who do I contact about state transportation issues? - Ask a Librarian & FAQs (libanswers.com)
You may want to do a web search for the highway, "closure" and the State name to find detailed information. For example, North Carolina provides traveler information at DriveNC.gov | North Carolina Traffic, Road Closures & Travel Information.
You can also call 511 to find information on conditions on the highways state in a state: FHWA 511 Travel Information Telephone Services (dot.gov)
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has a website with links to State disaster management officials/sites for Hurricane Helene: Hurricane Helene | FEMA.gov.
Topics
Contact Us
NTL Reference Librarians provide services for the transportation community and general public. Specific services are:
- Basic research assistance with Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) publications and data products
- Assistance with access to information resources in ROSA P
- Referrals to operating administrations within US DOT
- USDOT history and archival research services
Can't find the answer you're looking for in the FAQs? Contact us for help.