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.
Complete 540 Breaks Ground
This week, Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon joined county and city officials for a
groundbreaking for the project extending the existing Triangle Expressway 28 miles.
The first phase under construction will link the N.C. 55 Bypass and Interstate 40 and is anticipated to open in 2023.
Eventually, the project, 'Complete 540', will be a critical connector to several towns and cities, and is also expected to ease congestion on other roadways, including I-40.
For more information, visit:
NCDOT.gov/turnpike.
U.S. 17 Bypass Opens
While we break ground in central North Carolina, to the east a new bypass is now open for drivers.
The
U.S. 17 Bypass in Jones County opened more than eight months ahead of schedule.
It is 16 miles long, four lanes wide and stretches between Jacksonville and New Bern – easing congestion and creating a safer route for drivers in towns like Pollocksville and Maysville.
World Day of Remembrance
Looking ahead, Sunday is World Day of Remembrance – remembering the millions killed and injured on the road.
This day also remembers the family and friends who are affected as well.
There will be a statewide event held at Pack Square Park in Asheville, Sunday at 2 p.m.
Remember to always follow the rules of the road and buckle up so everyone arrives to their destination safely.
National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week
In relation, this week is National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week, which brings attention to the dangers emergency personnel face when responding to a traffic incident.
The response of drivers passing by an emergency situation is just as important as the response of the person towing a vehicle, rescuing the trapped, healing the injured and investigating the incident.
If you are the driver, make sure to slow down when approaching a scene.
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.