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 DMV Office
The
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and the Town of Garland recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a
new driver license office in the Sampson County town.
The office at 35 South Ingold Avenue will operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and give people easier access to driver license and ID services.
This is the first of four new driver license offices funded through House Bill 125, which was signed into law in August.
Reducing wait times and improving customer service at DMV offices is one of state Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson’s top priorities.
Helene Recovery
Another priority for NCDOT is helping western North Carolina
recover from Hurricane Helene.
After Helene hit western North Carolina in late September 2024, it left behind more than 9,400 damaged locations on state‑maintained roads, including nearly 850 bridges.
Since then, crews have completed work at over 8,000 damaged sites, including repairs or replacements on more than 590 bridges.
“Watching the people of the Department of Transportation respond to a disaster like we’ve never seen before, has been awe-inspiring,” said Secretary Johnson. “The department’s going to remain focused. It’s going to remain our number one priority until we’ve completely restored the road infrastructure in western North Carolina.”
For the latest information on closures, visit
DriveNC.gov.
Rail Record Ridership
North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service has broken its ridership record for the fourth year in a row.
In 2025, NC By Train carried nearly 740,000 passengers — a 15% increase since 2023 and the highest ridership in the service’s 35-year history.
Officials attribute train travel’s increasing popularity to more affordable service, increased daily trip options, and special offerings like Carolina Panthers game trains and the
Ale Trail by Rail.
For more information on NC by Train, visit
ncbytrain.org.
Stephen Curry Dedication
Exit 30 off Interstate 77 in north Mecklenburg County has been named the “Stephen Curry Interchange” in honor of the Golden State Warriors star and Davidson College alum.
The dedication, approved in 2023 by the Town of Davidson and the North Carolina Board of Transportation, recognizes Curry’s lasting impact on the school’s basketball program and the broader community.
Federal, state and local officials joined NCDOT and Davidson College leadership to unveil the new sign during halftime of Davidson’s Dec. 30 home game against Duquesne University.
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.