RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in
NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
Lou Donaldson Boulevard
A section of N.C. 740 was dedicated last week to Badin native Lou Donaldson, a retired jazz saxophonist and member of the International Jazz Hall of Fame. Donaldson, who lives in Florida, returned for the ceremony, and said he was grateful for the honor.
Lou Donaldson Boulevard signs have been erected on a five-mile stretch of N.C. 740 near Badin Lake.
State transportation officials and lawmakers joined local officials for the dedication ceremony.
The 95-year-old started recording jazz music after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his career, “Sweet Papa Lou,” as he is known, recorded music with other prominent jazz musicians and in 2012 was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Removal of N.C. 12 S-Curves
On the coast, crews have started removing pavement and protective sandbags on a two-mile former section of N.C. 12 known as the ‘S-Curves.’
Portions of the road that are being removed are bypassed by the new Rodanthe ‘Jug Handle’ Bridge, which opened to traffic July 28.
The ‘S-Curves’ area had been one of the most vulnerable sections of N.C. 12, periodically facing ocean overwash that forced closures of the highway during nor’easters and tropical weather events. Work to remove the pavement and sandbags is expected to take about six weeks.
Walk and Roll to School
Safety is always top of mind for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
That’s why NCDOT officials joined children, parents, and community members to support Walk and Roll to School Day celebrations across the state last week. The Day encourages families to consider getting to school on foot or by bicycle, to highlight safe travel, healthy habits, and less traffic congestion.
For this year’s feature event in Durham, NCDOT officials, children, parents and community members started their trek at the Save A Lot grocery store on Liberty Street and made their way about a half-mile to Eastway Elementary School.
Walk and Roll to School Day also reminds drivers that roads, especially those around schools, have more than just cars on them.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on
NCDOT.gov.