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 Transportation Secretary
Leadership is changing at the N.C. Department of Transportation following the retirement of the Secretary.
Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins announced he will retire from the agency, effective Oct. 1.
Hopkins has served at NCDOT for over 30 years.
Gov. Josh Stein praised Hopkins for his public service and his pledge to delay his retirement by a year so he could oversee the early phases of recovery from Hurricane Helene.
The governor appointed Daniel Johnson as NCDOT's next leader. Johnson has served as Deputy Secretary and General Counsel for NCDOT since 2019.
Fallen Trooper Namings
NCDOT is nearing completion on a project to honor 23 fallen state troopers.
The department partnered with the State Highway Patrol after discovering the fallen officers whose sacrifices had been overlooked for bridge naming honors.
The N.C. Board of Transportation Road and Bridge Naming Committee has worked with the Highway Patrol on the initiative since the spring of 2024.
All but seven of the bridge dedications have been completed and the remaining officers are expected to be honored by the end of this year.
National 'See Tracks? Think Train!' Week
BeRailSafe, the Rail Division's railroad safety unit, is promoting National "See Tracks? Think Train!" Week through education and outreach.
BeRailSafe and partner organizations including Operation Lifesaver, Amtrack Police and law enforcement recently conducted public awareness safety exercises organized near railroad crossings.
Motorists were greeted and thanked for practicing safe driving behaviors, emphasizing the importance of safety at crossings.
Football Train
NC By Train has adjusted schedules to get fans to Charlotte for Carolina Panthers home games.
This year, there are seven opportunities to take NC By Train to home football games in Charlotte before kickoff.
Visit
NCByTrain.org to book your travel or get more information.