the daily commute's blog

traffic alert: penny road delays
 From the Town of Cary: Weather permitting, expect delays in southern Cary along Penny Road near its intersection with Kingsford Drive at Windsor Oaks this Wednesday, November 4 from 7...
Nov. 4, 2009

holly springs traffic alert: bass lake bridge closing temporarily
The DOT is temporarily closing the bridge over Bass Lake in Holly Springs next month.  Details from NCDOT:    RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation...
Oct. 30, 2009

widening i-40 in wake, johnston county
The DOT is talking about widening I-40 in Wake and Johnston counties.   I know a lot of you have talked with me about those congestion problems around the Clayton Bypass.  Here's the...
Oct. 6, 2009

traffic alert: cary pkwy. lane closures
From the Town of Cary: On Friday, August 28, the Town of Cary will temporarily close the median and left turn lanes of Southwest Cary Parkway at Waldo Rood Blvd. and Bebington Drive from 8:30...
Aug. 28, 2009

traffic alert: cary intersection will be a 4-way stop
From the DOT: During the week of Aug. 24, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division 5 Traffic Services Unit plans to modify the intersection of Old Raleigh Road (State Road 1435)...
Aug. 21, 2009

traffic alert: ramp closure from 40 west to the outer beltline
It looks like some overnight roadwork dragged into the morning commute today.  We saw a really slow morning on I-40 West between US 70 and the Beltline.  People tell me it appeared to be related...
Aug. 17, 2009

traffic alert: median barriers going up on i-40
Work is beginning on the I-40 widening between Jones Franklin Rd. and Wade Avenue.   Here's the latest from DOT: The N.C. Department of Transportation will install barriers along the westbound...
Aug. 10, 2009

it's here: widening i-40 and renaming the beltline
Some news about a big project for Wake County, which we first reported last week on WRAL News. Here's the official DOT release:   RALEIGH...
Jul. 29, 2009

traffic alert: cary pkwy.
From the Town of Cary:    From June 22-27, the Town of Cary will continue work on the Cary Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project on Southwest Cary Parkway between Two Creeks...
Jun. 22, 2009

traffic alert: beltline delays
 From the NCDOT:  The N.C. Department of Transportation is putting economic recovery dollars to work in Wake County to rehabilitate 5.6 miles of I-440 from Wade Avenue to Wake Forest...
Jun. 17, 2009

traffic alert: airport blvd.
 Here's a weekend heads-up from your pals and mine at the NCDOT:     The N.C. Department of Transportation will shift traffic on Airport Boulevard (State Road 3015)...
Jun. 5, 2009

new bridge in moore county
 The NCDOT press machine is busy today.  Here's word of another project in Moore County: Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a $1.8 million contract for a new bridge over...
May. 29, 2009

improving us 64 in nash county
The state is announcing some upcoming work on U.S. 64 in Nash County.  Here's the press release: The N.C. Department of Transportation will soon be putting American Recovery...
May. 29, 2009

traffic alert: durham frwy. overnights
Crews are replacing that nasty, old pedestrian bridge over the Durham Freeway near Alston Avenue for the next couple of weeks.  You can expect delays and detours on both directions for the Durham...
May. 29, 2009

traffic alert: hargett st.
The railroad crossing on Hargett Street will close at 9 a.m. today and reopen at 9 a.m. next Wednesday.  That's when the railroad crossings at W. Jones St., N. West St., and N. Harrington St. will...
May. 22, 2009

traffic alert: memorial day
 I'm ready for a three-day weekend, and I hope you're going to be able to enjoy one.  Here's our annual Memorial Day message from the NCDOT about what to expect on the highways: The...
May. 21, 2009

traffic alert: durham frwy. @ alston
Some news from the City of Durham: That grimy, horrible pedestrian bridge over Durham Freeway at Alston Avenue is going away!    DURHAM, N.C. – The long-awaited demolition...
May. 18, 2009

traffic alert for burlington
 Alamance County is not technically in our viewing area, but I know we have some viewers and WRAL.com users who spend a lot of time there.  Here's word of a traffic-pattern change from NCDOT:...
May. 5, 2009

dot: old milburnie rd. bridge will be replaced
 From the NCDOT: Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a $1 million contract to replace the bridge on Old Milburnie Road (State Road 2217) over Beaver Dam Creek. The project...
May. 4, 2009

traffic alert: hooray for raleighwood!
 Well... it's really Morrisville-ishwood.  They're making a movie and closing down part of NC 540 next week.  The press release from the DOT: The N.C. Department of Transportation...
May. 1, 2009

traffic alert: i-95 in cumberland county
 The NCDOT temporarily is closing a section of I-95 North and South in Cumberland County. This will affect both directions of the interstate at Wade-Stedman Road (Exit 61).  The closures will...
Apr. 13, 2009

easter traffic alert!
Our pals at the NCDOT are getting ready for the Easter weekend.  Here's a rundown of what you need to know: The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities...
Apr. 8, 2009

easter traffic alert!
Our pals at the NCDOT are getting ready for the Easter weekend.  Here's a rundown of what you need to know: The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities...
Apr. 8, 2009

easter traffic alert!
Our pals at the NCDOT are getting ready for the Easter weekend.  Here's a rundown of what you need to know: The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities...
Apr. 8, 2009

easter traffic alert!
Our pals at the NCDOT are getting ready for the Easter weekend.  Here's a rundown of what you need to know: The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities...
Apr. 8, 2009

new four-way stop in durham county
From our DOT pals:   RALEIGH — During the week of March 30, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division 5 Traffic Services Unit plans to modify the...
Mar. 27, 2009

using traffic tweets
A big thank you to the 103 of you who have already signed up to receive my morning traffic Tweets!  Those lucky Twitter followers...
Mar. 26, 2009

traffic alert: mt. vernon church rd.
I'm a little late on the draw with this one.  We mentioned it a lot on TV Tuesday, but I didn't get a chance to post a note here. The DOT has closed both directions of Mt. Vernon Church Road...
Mar. 26, 2009

traffic alert: burlington mills rd. this weekend
 The bridge replacement project continues on Burlington Mills Rd., and crews are closing it this weekend between Ligon Mill Rd. and Capital Blvd. It should start Friday around 7 p.m.and wrap...
Mar. 20, 2009

traffic alert: hwy. 264 in eastern wake co.
If your trip takes you through eastern Wake County, look out for some lane closures beginning today (Monday) at 9 a.m, weather permitting.   DOT crews will close the outside lane of each direction...
Mar. 16, 2009

morning traffic on twitter!
I've had a personal Twitter account for a while now, but I never put anything work-related on there.  I use it to make observations and comments about the silly detritus of life. Well, I...
Mar. 13, 2009

traffic alert: cary parkway
A big paving project begins today along Cary Parkway.  Here are details from the Town of Cary:  As part of its commitment to providing high quality infrastructure and improving...
Mar. 10, 2009

be a traffic tipster
First, thanks to everyone who calls in traffic tips during the morning and afternoon commute. I know many of you are fortunate enough to avoid traffic tie-ups, but a lot of people do count on...
Feb. 27, 2009

traffic alert: downtown raleigh this weekend
 A couple of weekend road races in downtown Raleigh might slow down your trip.  Here are the details, courtesy of the City of Raleigh:  SATURDAY The Krispy...
Feb. 6, 2009

i can't believe it.
I awoke this morning about 5 ish as i try normally to do. I looked out the front door and thought... WHOA...another snow infestation has blanketed the triangle and surrounding counties. As i went on...
Feb. 4, 2009

traffic alert: all-american freeway at morganton
The All American Freeway in Fayetteville will close today around the Morganton Road bridge (which already is closed in both directions) and remain closed through the weekend.   It's all part...
Jan 23, 2009

traffic alert: i-540 near triangle town center
The DOT is working on eastbound 540 this weekend around the mall.  Here are the details:   Two of three lanes on I-540 East  near Triangle Town Boulevard at mile marker 17...
Jan 23, 2009

traffic alert: clinton speaks at ncsu
From NCSU:  Former President Clinton will speak at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26 at Reynolds Coliseum to an expected audience of 6,000 people. As part of the Millennium Seminars,...
Jan 22, 2009

traffic alert: old milburnie road
 From our DOT friends: The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of Old Milburnie Road (State Road 1217) from Tarheel Club Road (S.R. 2218) to U.S. 64 Business...
Jan 21, 2009

traffic alert: inauguration
A lot of people are heading to D.C. for the inauguration next week. If you're going to D.C., expect major delays.  Some are expecting 75-mile backups.  Of course, you can stay at home...
Jan 16, 2009

getting the car ready for the cold
I'm vehemently opposed to this cold weather.   This weekend, I watched the "Bizarre Foods" episode about Phuket, Thailand.  A little graphic popped up saying that the...
Jan 13, 2009

good news in the air
Here's a wonderful piece of news I found on CNN.com: 2008 was the second year in a row that...
Jan 12, 2009

traffic changes at wakemed
We have a liberal definition of "traffic news" for our Daily Commute blog. This piece of news won't affect those of you who join the rush hour to and from work, but if you're heading out to...
Jan 12, 2009

traffic alert: all-american expressway on fort bragg
Here's a press release from Fort Bragg:    Fort Bragg has closed the All-American Expressway between Longstreet Street and Normandy Dr. due to a break in a natural gas line.  ...
Jan 8, 2009

traffic alert: us1/440 interchange
The N.C. Department of Transportation is temporarily closing the on-ramp from I-440 (Outer Beltline)/U.S. 1 (Exit 1B) onto I-40 West for the installation of a new drainage system. The closure will...
Jan 7, 2009

closing the books on '08
I'm getting ready for a long winter's nap.  I'm on vacation starting Wednesday, and I won't be back until Monday, January 5. Thanks to all of you for welcoming me into your homes (and computers)...
Dec 22, 2008

heads up, holly springs!
Some big news from my friends in Holly Springs!  Get ready for a big traffic change downtown.  Center Street from Avent Ferry Road to Main Street will become a one-way street, beginning...
Dec 22, 2008

heads up, holly springs!
Some big news from my friends in Holly Springs!  Get ready for a big traffic change downtown.  Center Street from Avent Ferry Road to Main Street will become a one-way street, beginning...
Dec 22, 2008

happy holiday travel period from the dot!
 The road work stops tomorrow! MOST ROAD CONSTRUCTION SUSPENDED OVER HOLIDAYS TO EASE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE DRIVING CONDITIONS     RALEIGH...
Dec 18, 2008

traffic alert: airport blvd.
 From the DOT: The N.C. Department of Transportation will shift all traffic on Airport Boulevard (State Road 3015) into a new pattern between N.C. 54 and McCrimmon Parkway (S.R. 1635)...
Dec 17, 2008

good news in vance county
 From our friends at the NCDOT:     The N.C. Department of Transportation opened the northbound lanes on Interstate 85 between mile markers 206 and 214 near Henderson...
Dec 11, 2008

cheap oil: good or bad
I'm as happy as you are that gas prices have crashed and continue falling.  The CEO of Gulf Oil speculates oil may drop to $20 a barrel and gas prices may approach $1 a gallon next year. Sounds...
Dec 5, 2008

a bunch of weekend traffic alerts
Here are several heads-ups for the weekend:The Hurricanes are playing at the RBC Center at 7 p.m. Friday, so expect delays around the arena this evening.The WRAL-TV Raleigh Christmas...
Nov 21, 2008

giving thanks for clear roads
Some Thanksgiving news from the NCDOT: The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities that could affect travel over the Thanksgiving holiday to help ease...
Nov 20, 2008

it won't be long
I used to like winter weather -- until I got into the news business.  I haven't been able to stay home and enjoy a snowstorm since 1995.  I used to cheer for snow.  I now dread it. The...
Nov 11, 2008

traffic alert: halloween heads-up
I want to offer a little reminder that you might see the evening rush begin a little earlier tonight, with parents getting home in time to go trick-or-treating. Also, be careful in the residential...
Oct 31, 2008

traffic alert: busy saturday in west raleigh
Be thee advised!   You might want to avoid west Raleigh on Saturday. The Carolina Hurricanes are hosting the Edmonton Oilers at the RBC Center at 3 p.m.  Later in the afternoon,...
Oct 31, 2008

there goes the sun
Here's a friendly reminder from the NCDOT about the end of daylight-saving time this weekend.  They do refer to the "loss of an hour of sleep," but we're gaining an hour Saturday night! ...
Oct 30, 2008

traffic alerts: campaign '08
Here's a reminder for our friends in Fayetteville:  Sen. John McCain is having a campaign rally at the Crown Center at 5:30 this evening.  Doors open at 2 p.m. and attendees must arrive by...
Oct 28, 2008

traffic alert: i-795 repairs
A traffic alert for those of you who travel I-795 between Goldsboro and Wilson.   The NCDOT is closing lanes between mile markers 89 and 95 near Goldsboro to repair the pavement.  The...
Oct 21, 2008

dot workshop for hopson road, church street work
From the NCDOT:             RALEIGH — The N.C. Department...
Oct 16, 2008

heading to the fair thursday night?
 Keep in mind that NCSU is having a football game at Carter-Finley on Thursday evening -- the first night of your North Carolina State Fair.  Be thee advised!
Oct 13, 2008

getting to the nc state fair
As a kid, my brother and I pestered our parents to take us to the N.C. State Fair on the first night.  When I started driving myself to the Fair, I finally understood their hesitation. The...
Oct 13, 2008

big day in goldsboro
From the NCDOT:   RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Chief Operating Officer Dan DeVane and N.C. Board of Transportation...
Oct 9, 2008

traffic alert: dan allen dr. in raleigh
Dan Allen Drive will be closed around the Witherspoon Student Center from today (Thursday) through Monday morning. Crews are repairing a broken water main.  Use Pullen Road or Gorman Street for...
Oct 9, 2008

traffic alert: i-540 lane closures
Crews are closing some eastbound lanes of I-540 near Triangle Town Boulevard this weekend.  Here are the details from NCDOT: The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close two...
Oct 3, 2008

traffic alert: ncsu homecoming parade
 Expect delays in west Raleigh this evening, as NCSU's homecoming parade gets underway.  Here's a note from NCSU: The Raleigh Police Department and University Police will close the...
Oct 3, 2008

the first year
I just realized that today marks one year since I started doing traffic on WRAL News.  What a privilege to be part of this operation and to be a part of your morning routine (hopefully)! ...
Oct 1, 2008

traffic alert: johnston county
 CSX is doing some work on their railroad tracks in the Kenly and Micro areas of Johnston County this week.  Here is a list of some roads that will be closed.  Be ready for detours. ...
Sep 30, 2008

more about i-74 in robeson county
As I reported last week, a new portion of I-74 in Robeson County opened Friday, creating a four-lane connection between Charlotte and Wilmington.  Here's more information from the NCDOT:   RALEIGH...
Sep 29, 2008

good news in robeson county
The trip between Charlotte and Wilmington is about to get much faster! The I-74 upgrade in Robeson County is just about finished.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony is Friday, and it means four...
Sep 24, 2008

traffic alert: i-95 in johnson county
 Heads up for travelers heading north on I-95 in Johnston County.   The DOT is doing bridge repairs between mile markers 90 and 92, near Smithfield.  To do that, they've had...
Sep 22, 2008

traffic alert: burlington mills rd. detours
 From the NCDOT: NCDOT TO CLOSE BURLINGTON MILLS ROAD ONE MILE EAST OF CAPITAL BOULEVARD TONIGHT FOR EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIR Traffic limited to one lane...
Sep 18, 2008

nc delays sticker-less inspection
The state is delaying its new electronic vehicle inspection program.  It now begins November 1. My windshield will feel naked. ...
Sep 17, 2008

did anti-gouging laws lead to gas shortages?
An economist left a comment yesterday on a previous blogpost: "...all the shortages that are being experienced in the state are a result of the new price gouging law. Most gas stations owners...
Sep 16, 2008

gas prices: what's next?
The good news out of east Texas: The massive oil refineries escaped Ike with minimal damage.  The big refineries report no flooding, but restoring power is the big issue now. The Washington...
Sep 15, 2008

big changes for i-40 in greensboro
I won't comment on this one.  I'll let you handle that.  ;)  It came out Friday at 5 p.m.   From the NCDOT:   NCDOT WILL REROUTE I-40...
Sep 15, 2008

a possible explanation for the ike spike?
Here's a blog post from a Knoxville guy who offers a possible explanation for the price jump. ...
Sep 13, 2008

statement from attorney general roy cooper on rising gas prices
Here is the full statement that WRAL traffic man Brian Shrader referenced in the Daily Commute group blog about price gouging.  Statement...
Sep 12, 2008

is there such a thing as price gouging?
We're getting all kinds of tips in the newsroom about gas prices going through the roof overnight because of Hurricane Ike.  Oil companies are shutting down refineries in east Texas, taking about...
Sep 12, 2008

oil prices: what happened?
Oil prices have dropped about $40 in the past two months.  Looking back, was it a bubble or did good old supply and demand drive the spike? Dallais Morning News columnist Jim Landers ...
Sep 10, 2008

raleigh wide open street closures
From the City of Raleigh:    Several streets in Downtown Raleigh will be closed to accommodate Raleigh Wide Open 3 festivities on Friday and Saturday. The following streets...
Sep 5, 2008

traffic alert: junction road in durham county
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of Junction Road (State Road 1838) from Rochelle Street to N.C. 98/Holloway Street in Durham...
Sep 4, 2008

traffic alert: junction road in durham county
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of Junction Road (State Road 1838) from Rochelle Street to N.C. 98/Holloway Street in Durham...
Sep 4, 2008

thanks, gustav
One good thing about Gustav: Oil prices are way, way down this morning. They jumped as forecasters expected the storm to barrel through the major energy production areas of the Gulf as a major...
Sep 2, 2008

traffic alert: i-40 west in sampson county
From the NCDOT:  RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close I-40 West at Exit 355 (N.C. 403) for bridge repairs from 11 p.m....
Aug 29, 2008

go with the flow
We have some exciting news in the On-Time Traffic Center!   You often hear me talking about those DOT traffic flow sensors along Interstate 40.  You can see the data on the live map...
Aug 29, 2008

filling up?
Is anyone thinking about topping off the tank this week -- before Gustav pushes oil prices back up?  They're already higher this morning on fears the storm will disrupt oil operations in the Gulf.     ...
Aug 27, 2008

slow trip out of johnston county
Who got stuck in this morning's big delay on I-40 West coming out of Johnston County? It stemmed from the overnight tanker wreck at the I-40/440 split in Raleigh.  The lanes all were open...
Aug 26, 2008

nc school bus stop law
As students and teachers on the traditional calendar return to class this week, it's a good time to refresh yourself on North Carolina's School Bus Stop Law.   ...
Aug 25, 2008

traffic alert: lazy daze in cary
From the Town of Cary:  This Saturday, August 23, 2008 will mark the 32nd Annual Lazy Daze in beautiful downtown Cary. In order to facilitate the festival set up, the following streets will...
Aug 22, 2008

heads-up in holly springs!
From the Town of Holly Springs: The looming mix of high school and elementary school traffic has police requesting motorists' patience next week on Avent Ferry Road....
Aug 22, 2008

meeting tonight: widening rock quarry road
The City of Raleigh Public Works Department will hold a public meeting tonight on the proposed widening of Rock Quarry Road.   The plan would widen the road to five lanes with curbs,...
Aug 21, 2008

weekend traffic alert: i-40 west in wake county
From the DOT: RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will close one of two lanes on I-40 West between Exit 289 (Wade Avenue) and the Wade Avenue...
Aug 20, 2008

traffic alert: griffis street in cary
The Town of Cary is closing Griffis Street from Normandy Street to Dorothy Drive from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today.  Signs will be installed indicating the road closure; delays are not expected.   Crews...
Aug 19, 2008

a la carte in the air?
As airlines try to survive high oil prices, many have introduced all kinds of new revenue-generation ideas in the past few months -- from paying to check extra bags to selling water.  On my last...
Aug 18, 2008

some significantly cheaper gas
I headed (down to Atlantic Beach this weekend.  If you're heading down 70 toward the coast, try to fill up in Goldsboro or Kinston.  I saw $3.44 a gallon a several stations along Highway 70...
Aug 18, 2008

traffic alert: i-440/us1 interchange
From Progress Energy:  Progress Energy to conduct line maintenance along Interstate 440 in Raleigh RALEIGH (August 18, 2008) – As a part of its continuing...
Aug 18, 2008

improving 401 in cumberland county
  NCDOT sends this notice:    NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING AUG. 28 FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS  TO U.S. 401 IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY...
Aug 18, 2008

traffic alert: dry avenue in cary
From the Town of Cary:  On Thursday, August 14, 2008 and Friday August 15, 2008, traffic will be reduced to one lane for paving work on Dry Avenue from South Dixon Avenue to Page Street and...
Aug 14, 2008

traffic alert: robeson county
If you're South Carolina bound this afternoon, WRAL's Bryan Mims sends word of a problem on southbound I-95 in the St. Pauls area.  A truck hauling a piece of machinery struck an overpass at...
Aug 13, 2008

traffic alert: weston pkwy. in cary
From the Town of Cary: On Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14, 2008, paving operations at the intersection of Midenhall Road and Weston Parkway will require the temporary closure...
Aug 12, 2008

maynard road widening update
Soem good news from the Town of Cary:   On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, between 8 a.m. and noon, all lanes of traffic on SW Maynard Road from West Chatham Street to Kildaire Farm Road are...
Aug 12, 2008

traffic alert: i-95 in cumberland county
If your travel plans take you on northbound I-95 in Cumberland County the next couple of nights, be aware of nighttime construction.  It starts tonight at 7 p.m. and is expected to end Wednesday...
Aug 11, 2008

weekend traffic alert: i-540 in eastern wake county
 This must be National Road Construction Weekend:  NCDOT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE LANES ON SECTION OF I-540 WEST IN WAKE COUNTY TONIGHT    ...
Aug 8, 2008

weekend traffic alert: wake forest rd. lane closure
The DOT sneaked this one in on me this morning!  I got it at 8:44 a.m., so I couldn't include it in my TV reports....  NCDOT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE A LANE ON WAKE FOREST ROAD...
Aug 8, 2008

weekend traffic alert: outer beltline in se raleigh
From the NCDOT: NCDOT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE TWO LANES OF I-440 OUTER LOOP IN SOUTHEAST RALEIGH   RALEIGH —...
Aug 7, 2008

take the scenic route
From the NCDOT:   RALEIGH— The N.C. Department of Transportation today announced that the fourth edition of the N.C. Scenic Byways...
Aug 7, 2008

synchronizing the signals
Be sure to read our story about Raleigh's effort to synch the traffic signals in busy parts of the city. Crews are synchronizing the lights on Capital...
Aug 6, 2008

traffic alert: lakeshore dr. in hillsborough
From the Town of Hillsborough:   HILLSBOROUGH — A portion of Lakeshore Drive will be closed to traffic next week to continue a Town of Hillsborough sewer project. The Utilities...
Aug 5, 2008

traffic increasing on hwy 55?
One of our visitors, jmrose2, posted this comment on the main page of our Daily Commute group: "Has anyone else noticed the huge increase of traffic...
Aug 5, 2008

traffic alert: i-40 in davie county
The NCDOT has an alert for lane closures on I-40 in Davie County.  This one is in effect until noon Friday: Beginning Monday, August 4th, at 12 a.m., until 12 p.m. on Friday, August...
Aug 4, 2008

weekend traffic alert: i-540 - nevermind!
Earlier, I posted a DOT release about some lane closures on I-540 in Wake County this weekend.  Well, not so fast...   RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation...
Jul 31, 2008

traffic fatality map
GOLO member Charlesboyer sent a link to this neat site, which allows you to search for traffic fatalities near your home. Click on Safe...
Jul 30, 2008

oil still dropping...
Crude oil has dropped further today.  Demand is falling and the dollar is strengthening.  Of course, anything can happen.  Just yesterday,...
Jul 29, 2008

wednesday traffic alert: tryon road in cary
From the Town of Cary....  Weather permitting, the Town of Cary will place the final layer of asphalt on Tryon Road between Summerwinds Drive and Keisler Drive / New Waverly Place on Wednesday,...
Jul 29, 2008

wednesday traffic alert: pickett rd. in durham
 From the NCDOT:  The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of Pickett Road (State Road 1303) from Randolph Road (S.R. 1302) to Garrett Road (S.R. 1116)...
Jul 28, 2008

traffic alert: downtown raleigh
    TRAFFIC LANE SHIFT ON MCDOWELL STREET SET TO BEGIN TUESDAY            ...
Jul 28, 2008

it's all yours
I'm taking Friday off, so if you're a member of our Daily Commute group, feel free to post a blog!  Let's get some traffic discussion underway! If you haven't joined yet -- why not? ...
Jul 24, 2008

latest on blue ridge parkway closures
From the NCDOT: NORTH CAROLINA Milepost 367.6 to 355.3 – Asheville Area A rockslide and roadway failure has closed the Parkway to all activities including...
Jul 23, 2008

wednesday traffic alert: tryon road in cary
From the Town of Cary:  Weather permitting, the Town of Cary will place the final layer of asphalt on Tryon Road between Summerwinds Drive and Keisler Drive / New Waverly Place on Wednesday,...
Jul 23, 2008

oil way down this morning
As of this writing, crude oil futures are down $4.60 a barrel to $126.44.  The threat from Tropical Storm Dolly to oil interests in the Gulf of Mexico is diminishing -- and last week's big...
Jul 22, 2008

higher gas prices = less highway money
WRAL's Bruce Mildwurf reported last night about concerns that North Carolina could lose at least one-third of its federal highway funding because of...
Jul 22, 2008

rdu loses midwest airlines
RDU is losing another airline. Midwest Airlines is discontinuing...
Jul 21, 2008

how will we pay for roads?
 The AP has a wrap about the end of this year's session of the General Assembly and the big, unresolved issues lawmakers will have to face in the...
Jul 21, 2008

why do gas prices fall slowly when oil prices drop?
As the price of crude oil plummeted $15 in three days this week (it seems to be bouncing back a little this morning, as investors speculate that it fell too quickly this week), a lot of people are wondering...
Jul 18, 2008

traffic alert: i-95 near the cumberland/robeson line
Here's a DOT alert for those of you heading down 95 South this morning...    I-95 SOUTHBOUND REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN ROBESON CO., NORTH OF LUMBERTON Due to an earlier incident...
Jul 17, 2008

traffic alert: i-95 near the cumberland/robeson line
Here's a DOT alert for those of you heading down 95 South this morning...    I-95 SOUTHBOUND REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN ROBESON CO., NORTH OF LUMBERTON Due to an earlier incident...
Jul 17, 2008

down, down, down it goes
Oil prices are sliding lower today.   As of now, it's down more than $5 to around $134 a barrel.   That's thanks to better-than-expected U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventory reports. ...
Jul 16, 2008

traffic alert: i-95 in cumberland county
From the DOT:   I-95 SOUTHBOUND FROM MILE MARKER 55 TO 52 IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN FAYETTEVILLE Starting Wednesday, July 16th, and ending Thursday, July 17th 2008, I-95 Southbound ...
Jul 16, 2008

watching the weather
As oil prices fall today on worries about the economy and President Bush calling on Congress to lift the ban on offshore drilling, investors are looking at another player that could affect oil prices. ...
Jul 15, 2008

traffic alert: davie county
If you're going west, young man (or woman), here's a timely heads-up from DOT: I-40 WESTBOUND REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN DAVIE CO., SOUTH OF WINSTON-SALEM Starting Tuesday, July 8th, and ending...
Jul 15, 2008

a hopeful bulletin?
 The AP moved this "urgent" at 11:12 a.m.:  ---        WASHINGTON (AP) - Oil prices plunged more than $9 per barrel on the New York Mercantile...
Jul 15, 2008

the bad side of the bypass?
I know the new Clayton Bypass has a lot of fans!  Many GOLOers love missing all of those stop lights along Highway 70 in Clayton. But with all those cars avoiding town, some businesses ...
Jul 14, 2008

thanks, tipsters!
Well, I'm glad to announce that most of our DOT cameras are back in operation!  (Hey, if any DOTers are out there, we'd love to have our Beltline/Capital and Beltline/New Bern Ave. cameras!). It...
Jul 11, 2008

traffic alert: triangle triathlon this sunday
Here's a heads-up from the Town of Cary: Motorists traveling in Cary on Sunday, July 13, 2008 from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. may experience delays because of the Triangle Triathlon.  As...
Jul 11, 2008

beltline blocked
Keep an eye on our home page for the latest on that crash along the Inner Beltline near S. Saunders Street.  As of noon, EMS crews are still trying...
Jul 10, 2008

new sensors on our traffic maps!
I'm happy to tell you that we've added some new sensors to our live traffic map on WRAL.com.  Mouse over the "Display" tab at the...
Jul 10, 2008

traffic camera update
For our visitors who look at the DOT's cameras on our traffic page...The DOT may have the cameras back up this afternoon or by Friday.  They're upgrading hardware and the cameras won't be up until...
Jul 10, 2008

expressjet going away
ExpressJet announced today that it's ceasing it's branded airline service September 2. The...
Jul 9, 2008

traffic camera update
An update on the missing traffic cameras.  As of noon, the DOT's Triangle cameras still are out.  The DOT says it's a maintenance issue. They have no definitive time for when the cameras...
Jul 9, 2008

flying blind
If you check our Traffic section, you'll see that the DOT's traffic cameras are kaput.  I checked them yesterday as Vice President Cheney's motorcade rolled eastward on Interstate 40 from...
Jul 9, 2008

traffic alert: blue ridge parkway closures
 If you're heading to the mountains, you'll want to know about some closures along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  From the National Park Service:    "An open Parkway...
Jul 8, 2008

heads-up: public meetings about nc 24 improvements
For our friends in Cumberland and Sampson counties...    NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS JULY 17 AND 24 FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS  TO...
Jul 7, 2008

wake forest bus service begins monday
 If you're trying to save gas money in Wake Forest, you might want to explore the new bus service that begins Monday. From...
Jul 3, 2008

explaining the chevy volt
These are tough times for a lot of industries -- including the auto business. Auto sales plummeted last month.  All major automakers...
Jul 2, 2008

raleigh road projects on hold
 In case you missed the story on our home page, Raleigh is delaying 10 major road projects. Here's an intriguing quote from...
Jul 2, 2008

reminders about holiday flying
Our pals at RDU have issued a press release with some helpful reminders about flying out this weekend. A couple of items that I'll underscore: Don't forget about the Park and Ride lots. ...
Jul 1, 2008

heads-up: widening hillandale road
Attention Durham drivers: The DOT is planning a workshop this month about proposed widening on Hillandale Road...     NCDOT TO HOLD WORKSHOP JULY 15 FOR PROPOSED...
Jul 1, 2008

lighter traffic this independence day?
Maybe, says AAA Carolinas:      RECORD HIGH GAS PRICES CONTINUE; SIGNALS DECREASE  IN JULY 4 CAROLINAS’ HOLIDAY TRAFFIC CHARLOTTE...
Jun 30, 2008

explaining the fender-bender law
Lolly, one of our GOLO members, asked me to explain North Carolina's fender-bender law, which requires that you move cars involved in minor accidents off to the shoulder of the road. I've posted...
Jun 30, 2008

holiday construction on hold
From the DOT:   NCDOT SUSPENDING MOST ROAD CONSTRUCTION OVER INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY TO EASE DRIVING CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL SAFER  ...
Jun 30, 2008

at least one airline is adding routes
I wrote a few weeks ago that I'd talk about other forms of transportation in our Daily Commute group. We hear about struggling airlines, but Southwest Airlines ...
Jun 27, 2008

using algae for fuel
A few airilnes, including Continental, are teaming up with Boeing to start the Algal Biomass Association. They are...
Jun 27, 2008

free bus rides today
If you're in a part of Durham or Raleigh where DATA or CAT bus access is convenient, you'll want to know about this. Cricket Communications, a cell-phone company, is picking up the bill today. ...
Jun 27, 2008

traffic alert: louis stephens dr. in cary
From the Town of Cary....good news for folks who use Louis Stephens Drive:   With the completion of the Heritage Pines bridge in Cary, drivers may now travel uninterruptedly on Louis...
Jun 26, 2008

driver hits bear in orange county?
We had a report this morning of police activity on I-40 East near the Hwy. 86 exit in Orange County.  A caller said someone had hit a bear, but we couldn't confirm it, so I didn't report it. Well,...
Jun 26, 2008

want to save gas? slow down!
Here's a good chart for all of you 75+ speeders along the Beltline!    It's very generic -- your results may vary -- but the concept is clear.  According to ...
Jun 26, 2008

tying high oil to the weak dollar?
There's no question that many factors are behind the high oil prices.  We've all heard them: Supply fears, geopolitical fears, growing demand and the weak dollar. To that end, here's...
Jun 26, 2008

traffic alert: weston parkway
From the Town of Cary: Starting on Thursday, June 26, 2008, the Town of Cary will begin rehabilitating sections of the westbound lanes of Weston Parkway from Harrison Oaks Boulevard Road to Chapel...
Jun 26, 2008

beltline wreck ruled suicide
I know many drivers were caught up in the big backups in west Raleigh late Tuesday afternoon.  We've now learned that the wreck at the Beltline and Wade Avenue was...
Jun 25, 2008

adapting and overcoming
Have you noticed any changes in traffic patterns since gas reached $4 a gallon?  Christi Russell, who handles traffic duties on 99.9 the Fan and works out of our newsroom here at WRAL-TV, said...
Jun 25, 2008

hearing on jones sausage rd. widening
From the City of Raleigh: "The Raleigh City Council will hold a public hearing on July 1 to consider final authorization for the widening of Jones Sausage Road. The project will also include...
Jun 24, 2008

i need some ideas
I'm working on a video series on WRAL.com that will be an introductory course on driving in the Triangle.  I'm looking for ideas about the quirks of our roads.  For instance, I'm going...
Jun 23, 2008

traffic alert: downtown raleigh sinkhole
From our pals at the City of Raleigh:    -----  The City of Raleigh is closing the intersection of East Jones Street and Seawell Avenue to through traffic for approximately...
Jun 23, 2008

540 open, after all
Well, nevermind our earlier traffic alert for I-540 West in Raleigh.  From the DOT:  "The N.C. Department of Transportation has canceled the work scheduled for this weekend on...
Jun 20, 2008

don't forget to call!
I just wanted to post a little reminder to give me a call with your traffic tips! We have a toll-free line where you can leave a message with any traffic problems you encounter: 1-877-PILE-UPS.   If...
Jun 20, 2008

some unusual gas-saving tips
Here are some ideas on a site called Petrostrategies.org, run by a company that provides...
Jun 20, 2008

traffic alert: presidential visit
President Bush is visiting Raleigh this afternoon for a fund-raiser.   Air Force One is scheduled to land around 4:30 p.m. at RDU.  Understandably, we don't have specifics about the...
Jun 20, 2008

big mess in johnston county
Yet again, we saw a very slow morning on I-40 West out of Johnston County.  We can blame a couple of accidents on westbound 40 that we first reported around 6:45 a.m.   The stretch between...
Jun 20, 2008

a big broadcaster welcome...
...for Christi Russell, who handles traffic duties on our sister radio station 99.9 The Fan!   She's crussell here on GOLO, and she'll...
Jun 20, 2008

good news for weekend beach traffic
I have some good news for folks coming back from the beach on I-40. All lanes on westbound I-40 at Highway 403 (exit 355 east of I-95 in Sampson County) are reopened.  They had been blocked...
Jun 20, 2008

friday traffic alert: kildaire farm road in cary
From the Town of Cary: The Town of Cary will temporarily shift all lanes of Kildaire Farm Road between the entrance of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Swift Creek to new pavement on Friday,...
Jun 19, 2008

a tough business
On The Daily Commute group, we talk about traffic -- usually ground traffic.  But high gas prices are on our minds, and I thought I'd write a little about the airline business and the trouble they're...
Jun 19, 2008

any hypermilers out there?
Have you heard of hypermiling?  It's a way of increasing your gas mileage -- sometimes astronomically -- by incorporating a few...
Jun 19, 2008

weekend road work on 540 west
Here's a heads-up for folks taking I-540 West this evening and weekend. Beginning Thursday at 7 p.m., crews will block two of the three westbound lanes between US 64 Business and Buffaloe Road....
Jun 19, 2008

a mess on the beltline today
Did you get stuck in that 20mph traffic along the southern portion of the Inner Beltline this morning? Some overnight road work lasted a little too long and crept into the morning commute. ...
Jun 18, 2008

welcome to the daily commute!
A lot of people stop me in the grocery store and say, "I can't understand why the DOT doesn't..."  and  "You need to remind drivers that they shouldn't..." and "Do...
Jun 18, 2008