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.
I-40 Slope Monitors
As the reconstruction of Interstate 40 continues in western North Carolina, NCDOT is using new technology to keep both crews and drivers safe.
New monitoring devices have been installed in the Pigeon River Gorge corridor to track real time ground movement and detect any shifts in the terrain.
The system provides around the clock monitoring and sends instant alerts to the project team, allowing crews to quickly respond to any potential slope hazards.
This proactive safety feature was developed in response to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to this stretch of I-40 in 2024.
Wilson Honors Helene Workers
A few dozen Highway Division 4 employees were honored for their work with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
The Wilson Tobs – a summer collegiate baseball team, paid tribute this week to state employees who helped in western North Carolina.
About 50 maintenance, bridge and equipment workers for the Wilson-based NCDOT highway division stepped onto the field at the historic Fleming Stadium before the start of a Tobs game against the Holly Springs Salamanders.
One of the NCDOT employees honored, a maintenance supervisor, ceremoniously threw out the first pitch before the game started.
Last fall, the state workers came to the aid of their colleagues in western North Carolina by helping reopen roads and restore access after the state's worst natural disaster.
Bridge Strike Campaign
NCDOT is joining other states along the East Coast in a campaign to raise awareness of and prevent bridges being hit by vehicles.
Drivers often rely on mobile GPS mapping tools to choose their routes and provide directions, but not all mapping tools have real-time and accurate bridge clearance data.
This can lead to trouble in cases involving low-clearance bridges and tall vehicles like commercial or rental trucks. NCDOT encourages all drivers to “Check your height and know it’s right” and pay attention to posted bridge heights and signage to avoid hitting bridges.
Speeding Catches Up With You
Another safety campaign underway aims to reduce speeding.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program and law enforcement across North Carolina are using the “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign to remind drivers speeding is both dangerous and against the law.
The initiative runs through July 27 and includes increased enforcement across highways and local roads. Remember to obey posted speed limits, drive sober, and avoid distractions.