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.
Recovery Efforts Following Helene
Following Helene, the NCDOT has reopened more than 860 roads.
While a major feat – there is still work to be done. There are:
About 415 road closures; and
Nearly 7,500 damaged sites – including at least 120 bridges needing to be replaced.
The department awarded an $8 million contract to stabilize westbound lanes of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge and anticipates awarding a contract for permanent repairs soon.
For ongoing updates, please visit
DriveNC.gov or follow us on our social media channels.
Congressman G.K. Butterfield Dedication
An 8-mile section of Interstate 95 north of Rocky Mount now honors former Congressman G.K. Butterfield.
Butterfield, a Wilson native, served nine terms in the First Congressional District until his retirement in 2022. He also had a distinguished judicial career that included an appointment to the North Carolina Supreme Court.
This week, hundreds of people, including many of his former constituents, attended the dedication ceremony in Roanoke Rapids.
Numerous local, state and federal officials took turns recognizing Butterfield’s trailblazing career in public service.
Halloween Safety
Halloween is right around the corner and NCDOT is encouraging everyone to be safe during the holiday.
Oct. 28 through Nov. 3, there will be increased law enforcement as part of the Halloween
Booze It & Lose It effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.
Drivers should also be alert to trick-or-treaters and travel slowly through areas where people could be walking. Parents and children celebrating should:
Carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas.
Walk on sidewalks, not in the street; and if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and off the road when possible.