Shared by IRPO–Fall Family Safety Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists

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RALEIGH – As nights grow longer and days get shorter, the N.C. Department of Transportation is offering important safety tips to keep your family safe as the seasons change. Remember to:
  • Always watch for children
    • Pay special attention to children near bus stops
    • Look out for trick-or-treaters on Halloween
    • Remind children about how to safely cross the street and watch for cars
  • Look out for bicyclists and pedestrians 
    • Remember to always wear reflective gear while biking or running 
    • Drivers should share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians 
  • Be aware of deer and wildlife 
    • Pay attention when driving near wood-lined areas 
    • Stay alert as wildlife are most active at dusk and dawn ‘
  • Use your headlights during morning and evening hours 
    • If you are in doubt, keep your headlights on 
    • Remember to turn on your headlights when using your windshield wipers
  • Follow simple photo safety rules
    • For your safety and others, never take pictures while driving
    • While often inviting, never take pictures on train tracks or bridges
  • Always buckle up Every person.
    • Every seat. Every time.

For more information on all these programs and initiatives, visit the safety page on NCDOT.gov/.

***NCDOT***

Shared by IRPO–Build NC Funds Applied to Rutherfordton Bypass

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Start of construction targeted for next summer

ASHEVILLE – The N.C. Department of Transportation recently informed local officials in Rutherford County that two projects to construct the U.S. 221 Rutherfordton Bypass have been placed on the 2020 Build N.C. bond issuance list.

The announcement allows for preliminary engineering and right-of-way negotiations to resume after being suspended due to statewide cost constraints several weeks ago. 

This construction project will build a new four-lane highway with a median and three interchanges between U.S. 74 and Roper Loop Road. The section from Charlotte Road to Roper Loop Road will have a contract awarded in July 2020 followed within weeks by the start of construction at an estimated construction cost of $92 million.

The section from U.S. 74 to Charlotte Road is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition in June of 2020 and construction beginning in 2023, with an estimated construction cost of $97 million. 

Build N.C. is a financing tool that helps ensure NCDOT can continue strong delivery of critical road projects at the regional and division tiers that do not qualify for a similar federal funding tool. 

“We know this new highway will provide a safer and quicker transportation route for thousands of people who live and work in Rutherford and the surrounding counties,” Division 13 Assistant Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said. “This is an excellent use of Build N.C. funds. It’s anexcellent example of funding a local project that will help a lot of people.” 

***NCDOT***

Shared by IRPO: This Week at NCDOT: Hurricane Dorian Response

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This Week at NCDOT: Hurricane Dorian Response

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.

Preparation and Response

This week, the department’s focus was on preparing for and responding to Hurricane Dorian which impacted coastal areas of North Carolina.

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.


***NCDOT***

Shared by IRPO–Bridge Replacement Starting in Rutherford County

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New span replacing old structure


RUTHERFORDTON – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will replace a 56-year-old bridge in Rutherford County beginning on Monday, Sept. 9. Pilgrim Road will be closed to through traffic while crews from R.E. Burns & Sons Inc., replace the bridge over Webb’s Creek at a cost of $520,000.

NCDOT officials expect the road between Ellenboro and Forest City to reopen by next September. The old bridge is outdated, has a low posted weight limit and components that have deteriorated over the years. Through traffic will be detoured on a combination of U.S. 74 Business and Oak Grove Church Road.

Shared by IRPO: NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for Labor Day Travel

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RALEIGH – To ensure the most safe and efficient travel possible for North Carolina residents and visitors this Labor Day weekend, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects causing lane closures on major routes across the state.

Where possible, closed lanes will be opened from Friday morning until Tuesday evening. There are, however, some locations where the type or stage of construction will not allow an opening for safety reasons.

Drivers can check the status of the route they plan to take in advance by visiting DriveNC.gov. They can also follow NCDOT on social media to track travel updates by region or route.

NCDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips to navigate the roads safely over the holiday weekend:

  • Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible;
  • Stay alert. Even if construction work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts in work zones;
  • Be patient and obey the posted speed limit;
  • Use alternate routes when possible to avoid traffic congestion;
  • Travel at times when you are normally awake and take frequent breaks; and
  • Avoid distracted driving; and
  • Don’t drive drunk or impaired.

Labor Day weekend is also a time for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program has already started its “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, geared toward catching people who are driving under the influence.

Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be in place in all 100 counties through Monday to keep impaired drivers off the roads. If you plan to drink over the holiday period, NCDOT and GHSP strongly urge you to call a friend, use a ride-share service or take a cab or public transit.

***NCDOT***

Copyright N.C. Department of Transportation
1503 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 | (919) 707-2660 

Shared by IRPO–NCDOT Releases Draft Plan to Boost Electric Vehicle Registrations

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RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on a draft N.C. Zero-Emission Vehicle Plan the agency is developing to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road. People can review the plan and provide feedback on this NCDOT webpage until 5 p.m. Sept. 6.

The draft plan is the result of Gov. Roy Cooper last fall issuing Executive Order No. 80, which is a commitment to address climate change and transition to a clean energy economy.

The governor’s order called upon the NCDOT to develop a N.C. Zero-Emission Vehicle Plan to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles registered in this state to 80,000 by 2025. When Executive Order 80 was signed, more than 6,000 fully electric vehicles were registered in North Carolina.

Zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) are fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Depending upon the specific technology, these vehicles have no or significantly reduced tailpipe emissions compared with conventional vehicles.

“DOT has created this draft plan with clear and measurable strategies, in order for our state to lead the nation in embracing zero-emission technologies,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon.

NCDOT is releasing today the draft version of its North Carolina ZEV Plan. The plan summarizes the research the department has done and the public input from online surveys and workshops it has received since January. It also highlights important issues and action areas for achieving 80,000 registered, zero-emission vehicles by 2025. One example is how to increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations along major routes and at retail centers.

“We’ve been studying some important issues that will need to be addressed under the governor’s executive order,” said Colin Mellor, an NCDOT environmental policy analyst helping coordinate the department’s ZEV plan. “We need the public and other stakeholders to confirm we have heard their points of view, and to let us know if there are any other issues we should consider as we finalize the plan.”

The plan highlights four categories of activities the state will need to pursue to comply with the governor’s executive order. Those categories are:

  • Promoting public awareness and education about electric vehicles;
  • Enhancing the convenience of operating and recharging a ZEV;
  • Reducing the upfront costs of a ZEV; and
  • Considering policy changes that promote the use of electric vehicles.

The final plan will be submitted to the governor at the North Carolina Climate Change Interagency Council meeting on Sept. 27.