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-Press Release, NCDOT
To ensure the safest and most 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;
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.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-08-28 16:55:462019-08-28 16:55:46NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for Labor Day Travel
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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
The N.C. Department of Transportation will host a public meeting later this month to discuss two concepts being considered to widen Creedmoor Road (U.S. 50) between Interstate 540 to north of N.C. 98 from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided highway.
The goal of the project is to ease congestion, increase access and safety, and enhance mobility to provide an improved north-south connection in the region.
The first concept would incorporate Reduced Conflict Intersections. An RCI would control the direction that motorists going onto Creedmoor Road from side streets could travel, greatly reducing the chance for crashes on the main road, and often improving travel time through the corridor. The other concept features traditional intersections. The preferred alternative may include elements of both the traditional and RCI designs, based on comments received.
Two options are also being considered for the Creedmoor Road interchange at I-540. One would improve the current diamond interchange, while the other would reconfigure it to a Diverging Diamond Interchange.
A map of the project area can be viewed on the NCDOT public meetings website. Area residents will have a chance to view them in detail at a meeting on Tuesday, August 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the Amran Shriners Club, 11101 Creedmoor Road, which is 2.2 miles north of the I-540 interchange.
No formal presentation will be made, but project staff will be available to answer questions and receive comments relative to the concepts throughout the meeting. The comments and information received will be taken into consideration as work on the project develops.
Anyone unable to attend the meeting can still offer comments via NCDOT’s public input portal, or by phone or email to Allison White, NCDOT project manager, at 919-707-6341 or akwhite@ncdot.gov by September 13, 2019.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in the meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Diane Wilson at pdwilson1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6073 as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.
Persons who have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-08-09 16:55:212019-08-09 16:55:21Proposed Widening of Creedmoor Road to be Discussed at Public Meeting
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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
The N.C. Department of Transportation will close Pine Street at West Lake Road beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2019. This permanent closure is part of the realignment of N.C. 56.
An NCDOT contractor will be constructing a cul-de-sac. Driveway access will be maintained for residents during construction.
Motorists should use North Durham Avenue and turn left onto Sunset Road to get to Pine Street.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-07-29 16:56:232019-07-29 16:56:23Permanent Street Closure in Granville County
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-Press Release, NCDOT
The Marine Corps Air Station New River played host Monday to the annual North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program Statewide Fourth of July ‘Booze It & Lose it’ campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Firecracker.’ (PICTURES HERE)
Operation Firecracker aims to prevent alcohol-related crashes by targeting impaired drivers during the July 4 holiday season. The campaign runs July 1 through July 7, with law enforcement agencies running sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties to help catch drunk drivers and reduce fatalities.
GHSP Director Mark Ezzell speaks at the 2019 ‘Operation Firecracker’ kickoff event in Jacksonville. (Photo courtesy NCDOT)
Monday’s kickoff was launched on the air station with educational activities and displays including:
Blood Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit: (BAT Mobile to be used for touring as well as an overnight check point in Onslow County);
Seatbelt Convincer: (an educational tool that allows riders to experience force, up to five times their body weight, similar to that of a 5-10 mph crash);
Golf Carts & Goggles: (drunk driving simulators); and a
Hot Car demonstrator.
Poised in front of a commanding MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), Lt. Col. Roger Holliday, director of Installations and Environment, MCAS New River, addressed a crowd of about 350 Marines, Sailors and civilians.
“This campaign is aimed at saving the lives of those who ensure all of our freedom by bringing a heightened sense of awareness about an issue that can plague military communities,” he said.
Military communities have one of the most susceptible populations to drinking and driving with the majority of the enlisted Marines and Sailors being males between the ages of 18 and 22.
N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell told the crowd, “It’s a time for us to fire up the barbecue, grab a seat for that spectacular fireworks display and hoist the flag, not lower it because someone we know died or was killed due to poor planning.”
“We need you to ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome’ and practice new techniques going forward,” Ezzell added. “Call a cab, call a buddy, take the bus or use ride-share services. These are four easy ways not to die after you’ve been drinking.”
Lance Cpl. Brandon Pena is a Marine with Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, MCAS New River, whose career abruptly shifted in July of 2018.
“It was around this time last year that I was arrested right here on base for driving drunk,” he shared with the crowd. “I was drinking at a party and decided to drive myself home. I thought I knew ‘my limit’ but no one does.”
Base officials conducted a breathalyzer test and Pena blew almost twice the legal limit.
“My blood alcohol was 0.13. I was booked. I lost my license. I lost my rank. I lost respect. What I gained however, was a second chance at a law-abiding life. I could have killed myself that night or God forbid someone else. I still live my life as a Marine. I plan on celebrating this 4th of July, but I can tell you I won’t be drinking and driving,” Pena continued.
His message was simple as is the solution for celebrating safety this holiday and any other.
“Leave the keys at home. No one knows their own limit, and once you are drunk it’s too late.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Booze-It-and-Lose-It-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-07-05 16:51:322019-07-05 16:51:32The ‘Few and the Proud’ Join Forces With the State to Combat Drunk Driving
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-Press Release, NCDOT
To ensure the most efficient travel for North Carolina drivers over the July 4 holiday, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects that cause lane closures on major routes across the state.
Where possible, closed lanes will be opened from the morning of Wednesday, July 3, through the evening of Friday, July 5. There are some locations where the type of construction or the project status will not allow an opening for safety reasons.
Heavy traffic is also expected on Sunday, July 7, particularly on interstates. NCDOT is reviewing any lane closures that may be planned that day for primary routes and could extend the lane closure restrictions at those locations to avoid potential traffic backups.
Drivers can check the status of the route they plan to take in advance by going to DriveNC.gov. They can also follow NCDOT on Twitter to track travel updates by region or route.
NCDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips to navigate the roads safely over the holiday:
Leave early. Travel at non-peak hours and use alternative routes to avoid the heaviest traffic congestion.
Stay alert. Even when work is paused, you may encounter narrowed lanes, shifts in traffic and lower speed limits through work zones.
Be patient.
Don’t drive drowsy. For extended drives, take frequent breaks to remain alert.
Don’t drive distracted. When drivers are not focused on the road, they react slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in a crash.
The July 4 holiday is also a time for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program started its Operation Firecracker campaign this week, geared toward catching people who are driving under the influence.
Sobriety checkpoints will be in place in all 100 counties through Sunday, July 7, to keep impaired drivers off the roads for their safety and the safety of others.
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 – just don’t drive drunk.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-07-02 16:59:172019-07-02 16:59:17NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for July 4 Holiday
Work will begin soon on a project to realign N.C. 56 where it intersects U.S. 15 and N.C. 50 in Creedmoor.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $3.4 million contract to have Carolina Sunrock LLC of Raleigh improve the junction.
Currently, drivers headed east on N.C. 56 must make a series of turns to stay on the highway as it follows West Lake Road to Durham and Wilton avenues. The realignment will create a direct tie between West Lake Road and Wilton Avenue, improving traffic flow by eliminating the turns needed to stay on N.C. 56 in the Creedmoor city limits.
A new two-lane, median-divided connector will be constructed to the north of the existing West Lake Road, and a new alignment for West Lake Road will branch off the N.C. 56 connector. The project also calls for sidewalks that will connect to a city sidewalk project.
Work is expected to begin next week, and the new roads are scheduled to be open to traffic by June 1, 2020.
West Lake Road and North Pine Street will maintain partial access throughout the project. The plans are phased to avoid complete road closures and allow access at all times to properties and businesses in the project area.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-06-06 16:56:152019-06-06 16:56:15Granville County Intersection to be Realigned
-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
The Parham Road bridge over Interstate 85 in Henderson will be closed for three weeks starting Monday, April 29, 2019. The closure is needed so a contractor can safely put a concrete latex overlay in place on the bridge’s road surface, extending its life and making it a smoother ride for motorists.
Exit and on-ramps for I-85 at the location will remain open.
A signed detour will be in place. Travelers going east on Parham Road will be sent onto I-85 South to the next exit (N.C. 39), where they should turn left at the end of the ramp and then left again onto I-85 North to get back to Parham Road. Westbound drivers have a similar detour, instead going north on I-85 to the next exit (Satterwhite Road), where they can turn around onto I-85 South to return to Parham Road on the other side of the bridge.
Drivers should use caution as they approach the closure from either side and should anticipate needing more time to travel through the area because of the detour.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
The N.C Division of Motor Vehicles will start using new technology to protect people from identity fraud by making sure people have a driver license in only one state at a time.
Beginning Feb. 25, NCDMV will start using the State-to-State Verification Service to confirm a person’s identity and driving history from other states. The service, which is outlined in the federal REAL ID Act, requires a person to have only one driver license or ID card in one state at a time.
With State-to-State, NCDMV can determine if applicants already hold a driver license or ID card in another state and verify important driving information such as suspended licenses. After a North Carolina driver license or ID card is issued, any out-of-state issuances will be canceled. If an applicant does not want to cancel the out-of-state issuance, they will not be issued a North Carolina driver license or ID card.
All existing North Carolina driver license and ID card issuances will be checked for duplicate issuances in the 21 states already participating in the program. More states are expected to join the program through 2022. NCDMV estimates more than 210,000 North Carolina customers have duplicate issuances in other states.
NCDMV will reconcile duplicate issuances with each state using the service to determine which issuance will be canceled. The state with the most recent issuance will hold the valid license or ID card.
Currently, the following states are using the service:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
To update the NCDMV system for State-to-State implementation, all driver license offices will be closed on Saturday, February 23, 2019. Online driver services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. Saturday, February 23 until 3 p.m. Sunday, February 24.
State-to-State is administered by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. For more information on State-to-State, visit the AAMVA website.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-02-21 16:58:392019-02-21 16:14:54North Carolina to Eliminate Duplicate Driving Records
Area residents will get a chance to learn more about the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s draft 10-Year transportation plan for 2020-2029 at a week-long open house in Durham next week. The department unveiled its proposed funding and construction plan in January with more than 1,600 transportation projects across the state.
The list includes 18 new projects for Division 5, which covers Durham, Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren counties. Projects were selected based on technical data, as well as input from local officials and the public. A list of the projects in the draft plan and additional information is available on the NCDOT website.
The transportation plan is updated every two years. Projects scheduled in the first five years are considered committed, while projects in the final five years of the draft 10-year plan will be re-evaluated again as part of the development process for the 2022-2031 plan. That will start later this year.
Each of the department’s 14 highway divisions is hosting a week-long public comment opportunity on the projects in the current draft plan. In Division 5, it will be from Feb. 18-22 at the Division office at 2612 North Duke Street, Durham, during normal business hours.
The sessions will serve as opportunities for interested residents to review maps and handouts about the projects, ask questions of local NCDOT staff, and submit comments.
For interested residents who can’t attend the public comment sessions, there is an opportunity to submit comments online through April 15. The draft plan will be considered for final approval by the Board of Transportation this summer.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to provide input. Anyone requiring special services should contact David Keilson at 919-220-4600, or dpkeilson@ncdot.gov, as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
