Released by the NCDOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is helping Memorial Day travelers have a smoother trip. Most construction projects will be put on hold along interstate, NC, and US routes from 6am on May 25, 2016, until midnight, on May 30, 2016.
There are a few exceptions where closures must remain in place, including I-85 between Henderson and the Virginia state line. Due to construction on the northbound lanes, all traffic along two five-mile stretches is in a two-lane, two-way pattern in the southbound lanes. Motorists traveling through this area should anticipate travel delays.
Additional exceptions:
- NC 42 will have a signed detour, road closure and bridge replacement east and west of Ahoskie Creek in Hertford County.
- NC 94 will have a road closure and bridge construction on Elementary School Road at U.S. 64 in Tyrrell County.
- US 158 will have two-lane two-way traffic on the Pasquotank River Bridge in Pasquotank County.
- I-85 will have lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes traffic between the Virginia line and the town of Henderson. The pattern affects traffic in Vance and Granville counties.
- US 23/74 will have a bridge replacement in Jackson County.
- NC 294 will have portable traffic signals in Cherokee County.
Here are some additional NCDOT tips for navigating the highways safely during the Memorial Day weekend:
- Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible.
- Stay alert. Even if work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shits in work zones.
- Be patient and obey the posted speed limit.
- Use alternative routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
- Stay informed. Real-time travel information is available online and over the phone by dialing 511.
- Don’t drive drowsy. Travel at times when you are normally awake, and take frequent breaks.
- Avoid distracted driving. When drivers stop focusing on the road ahead, they react more slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in an accident.
For real-time travel information at any time, visit the Traveler Services section of the NCDOT website or follow NCDOT on Twitter.
While you are traveling this Memorial Day weekend, your job is to be a safe driver. Focus on the road and let everything else wait until you arrive at your destination.
Use these tips for navigating the highways safely during the Memorial Day weekend:
In addition, the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins and runs through. Law enforcement officers are stepping up patrols statewide, watching for people who aren’t buckled up, so don’t forget: Buckle up. Every seat, Every time.
From the NCDOT website regarding seat belts:
All vehicle occupants including those in the back seat are required to wear seat belts. Front seat passengers who violate the law will receive a $25 fine. Back seat passengers will receive a $10 fine. Children up to age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be secured in a safety seat while riding in a vehicle. Older children must transition to booster seats before graduating to an adult safety belt. Drivers who fail to properly secure their children face $125 in fines and court costs, as well as a two-point penalty on their driving record. For more information about seat belts and child restraints, visit www.buckleupnc.org.
Ed. Note: Seat belt fines can be well over $100, and depending on the road block type and local laws, may open the door to additional citations or fines. Use caution when driving, wear your seat belt, and know your rights.
