This Week at NCDOT: Ports, St. Patrick's Day, Trains, and Time Change

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.

Governor, Secretary Visit NC Ports

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and State Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette headed to the coast this week to visit a part of the department that is proving crucial in addressing our supply chain issues. They were among several guests at the Port of Wilmington.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Wilmington and Morehead City ports have taken significant steps to address the supply chain issues and distribution of goods. Those changes include the recent opening of a new container gate at the Wilmington port and the addition of a new, 75,000-square-foot warehouse at the Port of Morehead City.

Thanks to these and other improvements, both ports have set capacity records over the past year.

“Not only is that good for economy, it creates jobs but it also helps equipment and supplies move through the system better and could help lower the cost on working families," Gov. Cooper said.

St. Patrick's Day 'Booze It & Lose It'

Continue to feel the luck of the Irish by not driving if you drink this St. Patrick’s Day. Between March 14-20, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program is holding its St. Patrick’s Day Booze It & Lose It Campaign.

Law enforcement officers from all 100 counties will increase patrols to remove impaired drivers from our roadways. Driving while impaired is dangerous to you and others. And it can be costly. People caught driving under the influence could face jail time, lose their license, and pay hefty fines.

Dreamville Attendees Can Save on Train Tickets

Planning on attending this year’s Dreamville Festival? If so, why not take the train? People traveling to the festival in Raleigh on April 2-3 can save 25% on NC By Train tickets.

Daily train service is available from New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., plus seven additional stops between Charlotte and Raleigh. The train arrives at Raleigh Union Station, which is only two miles from Dorothea Dix Park, where the Dreamville Festival is being held.

To book and save, go to ncbytrain.org and use code V681.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday

Don't forget to change the clocks this weekend. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday.

As we spring forward, it will remain darker longer in the morning, so for safe driving tips, go to this webpage on the department's site.

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​.