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.
Fourth of July Travel
With thousands of people hitting the road next week, the department is helping drivers by suspending most road construction on major travel routes.
Where possible, lanes closed for construction will be reopened from Wednesday morning on July 3 through the evening of Friday, July 5.
Ahead of your trip, check your route by visiting
DriveNC.gov and remember that law enforcement is increasing patrols to crack down on drunk driving. Lastly, put down your phone to avoid distracted driving and make sure every person is buckled up in every seat of the vehicle.
NC State Highway Patrol Anniversary
Safety is key to when it comes to North Carolina’s roads. Understanding this, the General Assembly established the North Carolina State Highway Patrol in 1929. The organization was designed as a division of the State Highway Commission, the former name of the Department of Transportation.
This week, officials gathered in the State Capitol Rotunda to celebrate the Highway Patrol’s 90th anniversary.
Today, over 1,600 North Carolina State Troopers enforce vehicle laws and assist the public on more than 78,000 miles of roads, more than any other state except Texas.
Spring Litter Sweep Stats
The numbers are in from the spring litter sweep in April. Adopt-A-Highway groups, other volunteers and NCDOT crews removed more than 500,000 pounds of litter from our state’s roadways. That’s enough litter to outweigh the Statue of Liberty.
Thanks to everyone who pitched in to help keep North Carolina beautiful. The
fall litter sweep will take place Sept. 14-28.