RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities over the holidays to help ease traffic delays and improve driving conditions throughout the state.
Most construction projects along interstates, N.C. and U.S. routes will be suspended from 4 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Jan. 4.
There are several exceptions:
- U.S. 17 in Windsor is reduced to one lane on the Cashie River Bridge due to construction. Traffic is controlled by signals; however, trucks are restricted on this route and detour signs are in place. All motorists are encouraged to use the U.S. 17 Bypass around Windsor to avoid possible delays.
- Interstate 40 is closed at mile marker 2.6, near the Tennessee state line, due to a rockslide that occurred on Oct. 25. A detour has been set up. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West in Asheville to I-26 West. Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions. This detour adds 53 miles. Other alternate routes are available to passenger vehicles, however, they are more likely to be closed or have icy conditions during winter weather. Motorists should check road conditions before traveling these routes.
Also, U.S. 321 near Lenoir in Caldwell County is open following removal of boulders that were loosened during a widening project. NCDOT has requested that the contractor postpone routine blasting work in the area until Jan. 5 to allow U.S. 321 to remain open through the holidays. NCDOT reminds motorists that all businesses and attractions in this area are still accessible during construction.
Two new lanes on N.C. 12 north of Rodanthe are now open to traffic following damage from ocean overwash in November due to a nor'easter. Lane closures will take place after Dec. 29 for a beach renourishment project and to place sandbags near the right of way.
Know before you go by calling 511, the department's free travel information line, or get real-time travel information on line. NCDOT also offers travel information for motorists and ferry passengers on Twitter. For more information on how to get travel information, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel.
Motorists are reminded to move over when passing stopped emergency vehicles or if involved in a minor accident. Under the "Move Over" law, motorists are required to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped law enforcement, emergency vehicles, wreckers and NCDOT's Incident Management Assistance Patrol Vehicles with flashing lights. Similarly, the "Fender Bender" law requires motorists to clear the roadway of non-injury accidents to help keep traffic moving and reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes.
NCDOT offers the following driving tips during the holidays:
- Leave early to get a head start on your drive and travel at non-peak times.
- Stay alert. Even though workers may not be present in the majority of work zones, drivers may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts.
- Be patient and obey the posted speed limit. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250.
- Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
