NCDOT offers travel tips for Memorial Day, information on area construction projects

By Frank Williams | May 22, 2015 | Comments Off on NCDOT offers travel tips for Memorial Day, information on area construction projects

Construction projects in orncdot near Brunswick County are bolded and italicized below.

RALEIGH – As families begin traveling this Memorial Day, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities on major routes across the state to help make their trips a little smoother. By avoiding traffic delays, motorists can reach their destinations safely and efficiently, while cutting down on fuel consumption and costs. 

NCDOT will put on hold most construction projects along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes from 4 p.m. on Friday, May 22, until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, with these exceptions: 

  • U.S. 158 (Elizabeth Street) in Elizabeth City is reduced to one lane in each direction from Road Street to the Pasquotank River Bridge for resurfacing and construction of a new bridge;
  • U.S. 264 in Dare County will be reduced to one of two lanes controlled by temporary traffic signals in three locations for the replacement of three bridges. Lane closures are located between Stumpy Point and the Hyde County line;
  • Two bridges in Brunswick County on N.C. 211 over the Honey Island Swamp will have intermittent lane closures in order for crews to realign the roadway and replace both bridges and approaches;
  • Third Street in New Hanover County is closed for a bridge replacement with a signed detour;
  • I-85 southbound between the Virginia state line and the U.S. 1 interchange will have lane closures in place day and night as crews work to strengthen the shoulders and patch concrete; and
  •  I-73 in Guilford County is reduced to two lanes in each direction between Wendover Avenue and I-85.

For real-time travel information at any time, visit the Travel section of the NCDOT website, call 511 or follow NCDOT on Twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. 

Here are some additional tips for navigating the highways safely during the holiday travel season:

  • Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible.
  • Stay alert. Even if 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.
  • Stay informed. Real-time travel information is available online and over the phone by dialing 511.
  • Don’t drive drowsy. Travel at times when you are normally awake, and take frequent breaks.
  • Avoid distracted driving. When drivers stop focusing on the road ahead, they react more slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in an accident. 

Also, the “Click It or Ticket” campaign has started, running May 18 through May 31. During this time, law enforcement officers will step up patrols statewide and cite those who do not buckle up. NCDOT produced a public service announcement to remind drivers and passengers that wearing a seat belt is not an option; the law applies to “Every Seat. Every Time.” While you’re behind the wheel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, remember your job is to be a safe driver, so buckle up, focus on the road and let everything else wait until you arrive at your destination.

It’s also Motorcycle Awareness Month and NCDOT wants to remind you to share the road and check twice before changing lanes. Learn more about bike safety and sign up for free motorcycles rider skill classes across the state at BikeSafeNC.com.

While you travel over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, remember that your job is to be a safe driver, so focus on the road and let everything else wait until you arrive at your destination.

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