Strong winds affecting crews on the causeway

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Strong winds are affecting construction on the causeway project.

North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesman Brian Rick said when winds get to 20 m.p.h. crews are supposed to start securing all of the the equipment including the cranes. He said they started doing that this morning.

Rick said the protocols increase from there.

“As wind speeds reach 35 and 40 m.p.h sustained or even gusting, all draw bridges are placed in the closed position,” Rick said.

The Highway Patrol said law enforcement, county emergency management officials, and D.O.T. officials would all make a decision to close bridge traffic to vehicles.

Rick said D.O.T. crews will completely stop if winds get to 60 m.p.h.

“It’s not that they stand there with a wind gauge and wait for it to get to 60 m.p.h.,” Rick said. “You will know if you are out there that wind speeds are going to become dangerous. You’re going to be seeing things blow around.”

While some of these protocols may not be needed, Rick said when there is a possibility, it is important that everyone pays attention.

“The most important thing, of course, to all of us are the lives of the contractors and the motorists themselves,” Rick said.

Rick said crews are on standby with chainsaws in case there are fallen trees or branches on the roads.