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.
William M. Sue Bridge Dedication
The Interstate 140 bridge over U.S. 74 outside Wilmington is now named for William M. Sue, the former Brunswick County commissioner who requested during his first term in office that the interstate be completed as soon as possible.
Sue served on the Brunswick County Board of Education for eight years and then spent another 18 years on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, including five years as its chairman.
Sue was honored Oct. 15 during a dedication ceremony attended by several past and present elected officials who lauded Sue's public service.
Teen Driver Safety Week
Every week, hundreds of teenagers across the state get their licenses. National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 17-23, raises awareness about the dangers and pitfalls new drivers often face.
Teen drivers are about 3 times more likely to be in a crash than drivers over age 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Crash risk is also particularly high during the first months of being licensed.
Be sure to always follow these safety tips:
- Wear seat belts. Nearly half of all teen drivers and passengers who died in vehicle crashes in 2019 were not wearing a seat belt.
- Passengers in vehicles should never distract the driver nor take the driver’s attention away from the road; and finally
- Never drive while impaired by any substance, including alcohol or drugs.
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.