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.
Havelock Bypass Opens to Traffic
The Havelock Bypass, a major part of the U.S. 70 Corridor, is open to travelers – just in time for the holidays!
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently celebrated the opening of the Havelock Bypass with local and state officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony in Craven County.
“With continuing commercial, institutional and residential growth in the City of Havelock and across this region and an increased reliance and an overburdened Highway 70, the opening of the Havelock Bypass couldn’t get here soon enough,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson.
The Havelock Bypass is more than 10-miles of highway that will provide a high-speed alternative to using U.S. 70 through Havelock.
The bypass, also part of future Interstate 42, will improve traffic and freight movement along the corridor – which is a major connection from Morehead City to Raleigh.
I-440 Opens with Three Lanes Each Way
Also open to drivers, three travel lanes in each direction of Interstate 440.
From Wade Avenue to Walnut Street, this is the final section of I-440 to be upgraded to more than two lanes each way.
The additional lanes are expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along one of the region’s busiest corridors.
NCDMV Graduation
There are now more than 100 additional N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles Driver License Examiners across the state.
At a recent NCDMV graduation ceremony in Rocky Mount, nearly 150 people graduated Driver License Examiner Basic School, making this the largest class ever.
“You keep the traveling public safe. You get people back on the road. You connect folks to jobs and opportunities, to family and friends and as a result, you keep our state moving forward,” said Governor Josh Stein.
These new examiners will help improve DMV services across the state.
Patrolman Templeton Bridge Dedication
A bridge in Rockingham County now bears the name of the late Patrolman Jack D. Templeton after a recent dedication ceremony.
The bridge sits on U.S. 29 Business over U.S. 29, south of Reidsville.
Templeton was a member of the N.C. State Highway Patrol for one year before he was killed in the line of duty in September 1974.