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.
2024 WILDFLOWER AWARDS
The Department's Wildflower Program began in 1985 as an integral part of highway beautification.
Each spring, NCDOT recognizes the best-looking and most well-maintained roadside flower beds in each region of the state with Wildflower Awards, sponsored by The Garden Club of North Carolina.
First place for the 2024 William D. Johnson Daylily Award was granted to Division 9 for the bed at the I-40 and U.S. 421 split in Forsyth County, and second place was awarded to Division 12 for the I-85 Welcome Center in Cleveland County.
For the full list of winners, visit
ncdot.gov/news/press-releases and search “wildflowers."
SPRING LITTER SWEEP RESULTS
More than 584,000 pounds of litter was collected by participants in the spring litter sweep.
Removing litter from roadsides is an easy way to ensure that our state remains clean and beautiful. Anyone can volunteer to pick up litter anytime throughout the year.
The Department provides volunteers with free cleanup supplies, including gloves, safety vests and trash bags.
Visit
ncdot.gov and search “litter sweep" for information on how to get involved.
MOVE OVER OR GET PULLED OVER
The Governor's Highway Safety Program launched its “Move Over or Get Pulled Over" campaign this week.
The state's
Move Over Law was enacted in 2002 and protects law enforcement, emergency responders and crews working in vulnerable roadside areas.
Drivers are required to move over a lane or slow down considerably when approaching emergency and public service vehicles stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing.
Violators could face a $250 fine and misdemeanor or felony charges if property is damaged or a worker is injured.