The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation:
Department Prepares for Hurricane Season
June 1 is the official start to hurricane season. Department staff across the state is ensuring equipment like trucks and chainsaws are running properly and ‘road closure’ and ‘high water’ signs are accounted for. In the case of an event, it is crucial that our crews are ready to go.
“Anything that we need to purchase beforehand like chainsaw blades, chainsaws themselves, making sure our vehicles are up and running – not in the shop, so when an event does come, we are ready to respond,” Craven County Maintenance Engineer Rhett Gerrald said.
While our crews are preparing, NCDOT encourages all residents to do the same. Visit the department’s evacuation route webpage to know what you should do in the event of an emergency.
Hurricane season lasts through November.
NC Ferry System Kicks of 75th Anniversary
The North Carolina Ferry System is turning 75 this year. Transportation officials and locals kicked off the season of celebration this week by learning and reflecting the ferry system’s history and importance.
Those in attendance also got the opportunity to take a tour of the system’s newest vessel, the Ocracoke Express, which began regular passenger service this week.
Over the course of this year, the Ferry System is asking present and former passengers to share their memorable #FerryTales.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on NCDOT.gov.