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.
NC Port Growth
2018 has been a record-setting year for the
North Carolina Ports.
Over last fiscal year, the North Carolina Ports moved a record number of containers through the Port of Wilmington. Container growth increased by 38 percent while general cargo growth is up 18 percent since the 2017 fiscal year. The Port of Morehead City was also busier, experiencing 20 percent growth in general cargo.
2018 also was a record year for operating revenue – up four percent over North Carolina Ports’ previous high in fiscal year 2016.
As a key economic driver within the state, the Port of Wilmington is well-positioned for growth in the fresh and frozen refrigerated markets through on-dock cold storage and increased refrigerator container capacity.
To maintain its record setting growth, the North Carolina Ports has committed more than $200 million in infrastructure improvements, including the order of three new extra-large container cranes, berth renovations and container yard and turning basin expansions.
Additionally, a new rail-mounted gantry crane for the Port of Morehead City will arrive in Summer 2019.
Equipment Roadeo Finals
The sounds of heavy equipment were heard at the State Fairgrounds this week as the top NCDOT maintenance workers from across North Carolina competed in the annual Roadeo.
Participants were scored on their ability to skillfully operate equipment such as dump trucks and backhoes in tests that mimic what they encounter in the field. The event helps workers advance their skills while emphasizing the importance of safety when operating heavy equipment.
This year’s winners are:
- Kevin Paisley from Iredell County driving the single-axle dump truck;
- Logan Gibson from Rockingham County operating the tandem dump truck;
- Kyle Underwood from Cumberland County in the lowboy category;
- Nakoma Emanuel from Forsyth County driving the backhoe;
- Daniel Evans from Nash County operating the motor grader; and
- Vincent Farmer from Wilson County on the tractor/mower.
The six individual winners will represent the department at the Southeastern Regional Roadeo in Rogers, Arkansas in September.
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.