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.
I-40 Reopens
Good news for drivers. A section of Interstate 40 is set to reopen this weekend after months of being closed.
The section of I-40 connecting North Carolina to Tennessee was forced to close in late September when Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the road.
When the road reopens, one lane of the interstate will be open in each direction from Exit 20 to Exit 15, and again from Exit 7 to the state line and about five miles into Tennessee.
These stretches will be open for standard-sized trucks, but oversized loads will not be allowed.
This marks a significant step toward reconnecting North Carolina with Tennessee, and it comes as a relief to travelers and businesses alike. Drivers are urged to to stay alert and drive safely as much of this area remains and active work zone.
Visit DriveNC.gov for real time travel information.
Tony Braswell Bridge
A bridge in Pine Level now bears the name of a late Johnston County commissioner.
The bridge on U.S. 70 Business East at the Peedin Street Extension over U.S. 70 East is now named the Commissioner Tony Braswell Bridge.
Braswell was a Vietnam War veteran and Pine Level mayor and spent nearly two decades working to improve his community. He served as a Johnston County Commissioner for several terms before he died in 2024.
Earlier this month, Braswell’s family and friends and North Carolina transportation officials joined local leaders to dedicate the bridge in his honor.
Alligator River Bridge
Construction to replace the Alligator River Bridge has begun.
The first concrete pile for the bridge was driven into the bed of the Alligator River earlier this month. The new bridge will replace the aging swing-span drawbridge and is expected to open to traffic in 2029.
The old bridge remains safe for travel and will remain open until the new bridge is complete.
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.