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.
Lightweight Cellular Concrete in James City
On the coast, the U.S. 70 improvement project in James City is using innovative lightweight cellular concrete to reduce construction time.
The N.C. Department of Transportation is in the process of upgrading U.S. 70 from Raleigh to Morehead City to interstate standards. Future Interstate 42 will include a 5-mile section in James City where the highway will be elevated at five new interchanges.
Construction of the James City section – which is between the Neuse River, railroad and airport – proved to be challenging. Poor soil conditions meant additional settlement time. The construction team explored several options for building on the existing highway footprint and concluded lightweight cellular concrete was the best material for the job.
“With a traditional fill material that the department would use, we would have 280 days just in settlement time. This lightweight cellular concrete that we’re using actually reduces the settlement to about 90 days,” said Wendi Johnson, Resident Engineer.
Learn more about lightweight cellular concrete and the U.S. 70 improvements in James City.
New Driver License Office Open in Brunswick County
NCDOT and the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles joined state and local officials to celebrate the opening of a new driver license office in Brunswick County.
“We all go to the DMV, and we all want to have a positive experience, so on a bipartisan basis, we’ve partnered with the General Assembly to get some more resources to help us do a better job serving people,” said Governor Josh Stein.
This new location in Leland is the second of four new DMV offices opening thanks to House Bill 125, which Governor Stein signed into law in August.
N.C. By Train Rockingham Special
For the second year in a row, NC By Train will offer a special passenger rail service from Raleigh to Rockingham Speedway for NASCAR's return to The Rock on April 4.
The “Rockingham Special" will run for one day only between Raleigh Union Station and the Rockingham Speedway.
Train tickets are $25 each way and available for purchase now on Amtrak's website. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and seating is limited. Tickets must be bought in advance of travel.