Over the past few weeks, N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) teams have been responding to two winter storms that affected all 100 counties in the state. According to the NCDOT, more than 2,100 employees were deployed, operating over 1,250 trucks to treat and clear roads across the state’s 81,000-mile network. Governor Josh Stein acknowledged the crews’ efforts, noting the long hours they worked to maintain safety.
As part of infrastructure projects, crews must account for local ecosystems, such as at the Pigeon River Gorge. NCDOT is replacing the Key Bridge at Interstate 40’s Exit 15, where bats had taken up residence in the old structure. A solution was developed to include bat roosting spaces in a retaining wall. Kenny McCourt, a resident engineer, explained that while planning the project, he designed bat habitats integrated into the wall to provide a more natural environment. The project now offers the bats a new habitat through collaboration between NCDOT engineers, contractors, and federal and state wildlife agencies.
NCDOT has also worked with the community to dedicate a bridge in Nash County to honor a local hero. The Sunset Avenue bridge over Interstate 95 was named in memory of Officer Christopher J. Driver, a Rocky Mount police officer who died in 2018 after his cruiser collided with an abandoned vehicle. NCDOT officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and Officer Driver’s family attended a ceremony formally dedicating the bridge to recognize his service.
These stories highlight NCDOT’s efforts to maintain and improve the state’s transportation infrastructure while incorporating community and environmental considerations into their projects. The examples demonstrate the agency’s work to ensure public safety, support local communities, and preserve natural habitats.
