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.
Work Zone Awareness
National Work Zone Awareness Week begins on Monday. The week is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safety in roadway work zones for both workers and drivers.
This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all get home,” serves as a reminder to stay alert and use caution when driving through work zones, helping ensure that everyone makes it home safely.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is proud to host this year’s national kickoff event on Tuesday at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. The event will include a press conference that will be live streamed on NCDOT’s social media platforms.
Stay connected throughout the week for important safety tips, stories, and updates.
Patrolman Paul Smith Bridge
NCDOT, alongside state law enforcement officials and family members, recently gathered to dedicate the bridge on N.C. 73 over Long Creek at Long Lake in Albemarle to Patrolman Paul Smith.
A decorated U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, Patrolman Smith served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for six months before his death on May 26, 1948.
He lost his life in a crash caused by a malfunction in his patrol car.
The N.C. Board of Transportation unanimously passed a resolution in September 2024 to honor his memory.
Ferry Division Workforce
The N.C. Ferry Division has been actively working to hire employees to meet the increased ferry transportation demand for the upcoming summer season.
As part of their recruitment efforts, the division hosted career events from January through March in Ocracoke, Washington, Southport, Manteo, and Hatteras, with two additional events in Morehead City.
The events were well-attended, resulting in 18 qualified hires.
The Ferry Division is continually seeking new staff to fill positions on its vessels, at terminals, and in its shipyard. To view current job postings, visit the NCDOT Ferry Division
website.
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.