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. To view this video in Spanish,
click here.
Complete 540
This week, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the expressway with a ribbon cutting.
The 18-mile stretch of road, which is also known as Complete 540 project, opened to traffic on Sept. 25 in southern Wake County.
State Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said, “highways are core elements of transportation network and by streaming routes and offering more options the complete 540 project will ensure smoother travel throughout the region and our entire state.”
The ceremony also highlighted the project’s significance for local connectivity and economic growth.
Interstate 42 Updates
Down east, a new interstate is coming to North Carolina.
The U.S. 70 Bypass around Goldsboro has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration to become Interstate 42.
An NCDOT contractor will be replacing or updating almost 200 highway signs, including exit numbers and mile marker posts.
The change is part of a long-term plan by NCDOT to upgrade and re-designate U.S. 70 from Clayton to Morehead City as I-42. The interstate will better connect military bases and communities and promote regional mobility and new economic opportunities.
Political Signs
Election season is here, which means we should all be aware of the rules regarding political signs.
There are legal requirements for placing political signs along some state-maintained roads:
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No sign should be closer than 3 feet from the edge of the pavement or over 42 inches in height.
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No sign should obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.
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Those placing signs must obtain permission from property owners of a residence, business or religious institution fronting the right-of-way where a sign would be placed.
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Signs must be taken down by Nov. 15, 10 days after the election.
Any signs that violate the general statutes and create safety hazards may be removed by the NCDOT.
Southeastern Rodeo
NCDOT is the second-place winner of the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Training Conference, known as the Roadeo, at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
A special congrats to NCDOT employees, Johnathon White, who claimed 1st place in the backhoe event, Dustin Johnson, who was 3rd place in backhoe, Justin Wyatt, who took 2nd in the motor grader event, and Austin Brown, who placed 3rd place in this year's skid steer event, which is the first time it's been a part of the conference.
Contestants from 12 states competed in categories to showcase their heavy equipment expertise.
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.