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.
Political Signs
With early voting underway ahead of the Mar. 3 primary, the following rules apply for signs placed along state-maintained roads.
- According to state law, signs may be installed 30 days before early voting and must be removed within 10 days of Election Day’s conclusion.
- Signs must be placed at least three feet from the edge of pavement, stand no taller than 42 inches, and cannot block drivers’ views at intersections.
- Anyone putting up a sign must have permission from the adjacent property owner.
Any sign that violates these requirements or creates a safety concern may be removed by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Alligator River Bridge Construction
The Alligator River Bridge replacement project is turning 1-year-old this week.
The first pile for the project was driven into the bed of the Alligator River on Feb. 18, 2025, and today, all 710 piles are in place. Up next in the project is the installation of columns, caps and bridge decks.
The new bridge will be a fixed high-rise, allowing both maritime and vehicular traffic to pass unimpeded, and is being built to last 100 years, with materials resistant to rust and corrosion.
Aviation Art Contest
The NCDOT Division of Aviation recently announced the state-level winners who highlighted this year’s theme, “Fly to Save Lives.”
Participants created artwork to show how aviation delivers aid, fights wildfires, and rescues people and animals in emergencies.
The top three artists in each age group will now advance to the National Aviation Art Contest in Washington D.C. with a chance to compete on the international stage.