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This Week at NCDOT: Operation Firecracker, July 4th Travel, 540 Fest, Statewide Roadeo

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​​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.​

Operation Firecracker

This week, NCDOT joined its law enforcement partners at Duke University for the launch of the “Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It” campaign. 

“Celebrating this time of year often involves alcohol, which can lead to additional impaired driving crashes,” said Mark Ezzell, director of North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program​​​. “Last year, 388 people died in crashes involving drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. That’s unacceptable. Our law enforcement partners from Murphy to Manteo will be working this campaign to catch impaired drivers.” 

In addition to the stepped up law enforcement patrols and checkpoints, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will be doing public outreach to promote safety and discourage people from ever driving while impaired. 

July 4th Travel

Also, ahead for this upcoming holiday, most construction on interstates and main North Carolina routes will be suspended.  
 
NCDOT has some helpful travel tips everyone should follow to stay safe during the holiday:

  • Leave early for your destination 
  • Drive responsibly  
  • Allow extra time for your trip, regardless of which route you choose. 
  • Avoid driving distracted and pay attention to your surroundings and other vehicles nearby

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov​

540 Fest

Recently, hundreds of people got their first look at the southern expansion of N.C. 540 in Wake County. 
   
On Saturday, NCDOT hosted “540 Fest,” which included a run and bike race, along the future stretch of the Triangle Expressway near U.S. 401 in southern Wake County.  
  
To learn about the project, visit ncdot.gov and search “complete 540.” 
 
Statewide Roadeo

NCDOT staff from across the state came together recently to participate in the Equipment Operators Safety Training Conference, also known as the State Roadeo. 
 
Maintenance staff from each highway division compete in eight categories, showcasing their expertise in operating heavy equipment. 
 
The event promotes safety and fosters team spirit. 
 
Winners from this round will go on to compete at the regional level later this year. 

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.​

***NCDOT***

7/5/2024 10:25 AM