At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a serious traffic incident occurred on Interstate 95 just north of Falcon, North Carolina, close to the boundary between Cumberland and Harnett counties. Video captured by WRAL’s Breaking News Tracker shows a lone bicycle lying in the roadway, indicating that a cyclist was likely killed in the crash.
Road closure and emergency response
Northbound traffic on I‑95 was immediately halted, and one lane of the highway was closed while first responders worked at the scene. The Department of Transportation and local law‑enforcement agencies coordinated to secure the area, divert traffic, and begin an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Investigation underway
WRAL News reported that officials are still gathering details about the incident. Police have not yet released the identity of the cyclist, nor have they confirmed whether the driver of the vehicle involved will face any charges. The investigation will focus on factors such as speed, visibility, and whether any traffic violations contributed to the fatal outcome.
Impact on commuters
The closure of the northbound lane caused significant delays for commuters traveling through the region. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes, including US‑301 and local county roads, until the lane could be safely reopened. The Department of Transportation expects the lane to be cleared and traffic to resume once the investigation and cleanup are completed.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern over the safety of cyclists on high‑speed roadways. Advocacy groups for bicyclist safety have called for increased signage, better lighting, and dedicated bike lanes where feasible. While the crash highlights the dangers of sharing major highways with cyclists, officials emphasized that they are reviewing safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Next steps
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and will release any findings as they become available. In the meantime, drivers are reminded to stay alert, especially during early‑morning hours when visibility may be reduced, and to give cyclists ample space on the road.
For updates on the investigation and traffic conditions on I‑95, readers can follow WRAL’s live coverage or check the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s traffic alerts.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
