the daily commute's blog

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 N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities over the Memorial Day holiday 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 beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, May 22, until 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, with two exceptions.   

One of two lanes will be closed on Interstate 85 North between mile markers 206 and 214 in Vance County so that crews can place concrete barriers for an upcoming traffic shift as part of a pavement rehabilitation project.  

In addition, one of three lanes will be closed on I-85 North and I-85 South at the interchange with N.C. 62 at Exit 113 in Guilford County due to construction of the U.S. 311 Bypass. No work will occur during the holiday; however, the right lane in each direction will remain closed.  

This year’s construction increase is due to projects awarded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as through Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles, or GARVEE bonds, which allow NCDOT to borrow against future federal funding to complete needed projects.   

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program reminds motorists to buckle up this Memorial Day weekend as “Click It or Ticket” activities commence across the state. State and local law enforcement agencies will be performing stepped up patrols and checkpoints cracking down on motorists who are not wearing their seat belts. North Carolina law requires all motor vehicle drivers and passengers to be buckled.  

Motorists are also 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; and
• Call 511, the department’s free travel information line, or visit www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel for real-time travel information.

Filed under: Transportation