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As Memorial Day weekend arrives, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced a reprieve for drivers with most construction-related lane closures on interstates and major highways paused until Tuesday evening. The temporary easing of restrictions came as a move to improve safety and expedite travel during one of the year's peak traffic periods.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program is also reinforcing roadway vigilance through their “Click It or Ticket” campaign, effective through June 1. Law enforcement agencies will be stepping up patrols across the state, ensuring those behind the wheel and their passengers are in compliance with seat belt laws. In 2024, 466 lives were claimed in accidents involving unrestrained drivers on North Carolina roads, a grim statistic that officials highlighted while urging drivers to "drive alert, buckle up, and arrive safely," according to the official NCDOT statement.
Alongside road safety, NCDOT is pressing forward with its initiative to gather customer feedback on NC By Train services. Intent on bolstering its intercity passenger rail service amidst escalating demand, the department is hosting open-house meetings between Raleigh and Charlotte where attendees can converse with staff, learn about proposed improvements, and fill out a survey. Furthermore, the survey is open for responses online through June 30.
NC By Train’s surge to over 720,000 passengers in 2024 marks a notable 12% increase from the previous year. This public input is a critical part of the process, an effort NCDOT believes will ensure that burgeoning passenger numbers are matched with better facilities and services, ensuring "planned enhancements aim to meet this growing demand and improve the rider experience," as quoted from the NCDOT press release.
