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.
New Leadership at NCDOT
Joey Hopkins, the former chief operating officer, is now the transportation secretary. Former transportation secretary Eric Boyette retired in September after serving in state government for more than 27 years.
Taking over as NCDOT’s chief operating officer is Chris Peoples – the agency’s former chief engineer. The new chief engineer is Lamar Sylvester, who most recently served as the deputy chief engineer. He is NCDOT’s first African American chief engineer.
DMV Employees Honored for Helping During Crash
A pair of N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle employees were honored this week for their heroic efforts while responding to a multi-vehicle crash.
Marleen Camara and Sheila Sloan were presented with Extra Mile Awards by Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins during the state Board of Transportation meeting.
In June, they were heading home on Interstate 795 in Wayne County and came across burning wheat fields t that reduced visibility and resulted in a 24-car pileup.
Marleen pulled off the side of the road so they could help others possibly injured in the crash, including their coworker, Michael Newsome, NCDMV’s Director of Driver Services.
The Extra Mile Award honors employees or contractors for service that exceed their normal duties.
Walk and Roll to School Day
For National Walk and Roll to School Day this week, students, parents, teachers, state, and local officials met in Raleigh and made their way about a half-mile to the Powell Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet School.
The event brings awareness to safe biking, walking, and driving practices near schools and encourages families to consider healthier lifestyle alternatives than traveling in a vehicle.
Vote for N.C.
NCDOT needs your help! Please vote for NCDOT’s flood warning system in this year’s America’s Transportation Awards competition. The flood warning system is a finalist.
Vote here and help NCDOT win $10,000 to be donated to charity.
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.