MONROE – In a collaborative effort, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, along with Union EMS, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Unionville Fire Department, Monroe Fire Department, Union County Emergency Services and the Wingate Fire Department, participated in a staged incident that will help familiarize first responders with the Monroe Expressway. The Turnpike Authority is focused on safety and preparedness ahead of the highway’s Nov. 27 opening.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of our customers,” said Turnpike Authority Executive Director Beau Memory. “Collaborating with local first responders is pivotal to ensure prompt coordination if an incident occurs on the Monroe Expressway.”
Two staged vehicle incidents were placed near the Austin Chaney Road interchange. As first responders prepare to access the expressway when needed, the mock incident helped familiarize responders with on and off ramps, detour routes, tolling technology and how entities can work together.
By state law, first responder vehicles traveling to emergency situations are exempt from paying tolls on toll facilities in North Carolina.
As the Turnpike Authority continues to prepare for the opening of the Monroe Expressway, drivers can sign up for their NC Quick Pass accounts now, in advance of Nov. 27. To sign up for an account, customers can stop by any of the customer service centers during business hours, visit
www.ncquickpass.com or call 1-877-769-7277 (1-877-7MY-PASS).