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.
Helene One-Year Event
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $5 billion in damage to state-maintained bridges and roads in Western North Carolina, making it the most destructive storm in our state’s history.
The recovery effort has been the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s top priority.
Nearly 98% of the closed roads have been reopened, and work has been completed on more than 6,500 damaged sites and over 500 bridges have been repaired.
McDowell Express
McDowell County’s new micro transit program, McDowell Express, an on-demand public transit service that launched in May, is helping to better connect rural communities with jobs, healthcare, education and more.
The service has provided more than 1,900 rides since then, with steady monthly growth.
Residents and visitors can download the CTS Trip Portal app to access the service.
For more information, visit ncdot.gov and search “micro-transit.”
Child Passenger Safety Week
The Child Passenger Safety Week campaign launched Monday in Morrisville by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and its partners.
The initiative aims to protect young lives by providing free car seats and hands-on installation help to families and caregivers.
With 8 out of every 10 child safety seats installed incorrectly, these efforts are crucial.
Visit buckleupnc.org to find an N.C. car seat checking station near you.
Litter Sweep
Volunteers are encouraged to help clean up roadsides with the Fall Litter Sweep, taking place until Sept. 27.
Those participating can request clean-up supplies such as trash bags, gloves and safety vests from local NCDOT county maintenance offices.
For more information, visit ncdot.gov/littersweep.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660.