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.
Department Utilizes New Technology
The NCDOT is utilizing new technology to help the state’s bridges last longer.
After years of research, the department is using a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer to build the replacement
bridge that connects Harkers Island to the mainland in Carteret County.
This material will help combat corrosion and help the bridge last longer than traditional bridges constructed with steel-reinforced materials. The polymer is also easier to maneuver.
“We are going to have to learn to work smarter, be innovative, but we also want to be able to be capturing some of the wisdom from some of our seasoned employees and make sure that we still understand why we are doing what we are doing and maintain good stewardship for the state of North Carolina," said NCDOT Engineer Pam Carriker.
NCDOT plans to use this material for other projects in the future.
To watch a more in-depth video about this, go to the homepage of the department's website and click on the video "A Bridge to Progress".
Use DriveNC This Hurricane Season
It’s now hurricane season, and a tool NCDOT uses to update traffic information will be critical for motorists.
DriveNC.gov provides real time traffic and travel information for North Carolina. This website has information about crashes, congestion, traffic cameras, work zones and other road projects. And during a hurricane, NCDOT updates the site to include the latest weather-related impacts to transportation.
"DriveNC is the place where you can get the most up-to-date information about what roads are closed, mostly after a big storm as passed," said Kelly Wells, the traveler information engineer at NCDOT.
Make sure to visit
DriveNC.gov before you head out the door for the latest travel information.