McCrory signs bill approving ramp meters, campus improvements
Gov. Pat McCrory on Monday signed a bill authorizing, among a variety of things, interstate ramp meters - simple stoplights installed on high-volume on-ramps that are used to space traffic flowing onto interstates at rush hour.
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The Department of Transportation already has the authority to install ramp meters, but under current law, running a red light on a meter would have been treated the same as running a regular red light, subject to a ticket and insurance points. Anticipating a public outcry, the agency postponed use of the meters.
The bill clarifies that running a ramp meter is an infraction, which doesn't carry points or an insurance surcharge.
The measure also authorizes six University of North Carolina system schools to spend a total of $376 million of non-state funds for improvements:
- $156 million for improving the Student Union Building, the Health Sciences Campus Student Services Building and a new parking structure at East Carolina University.
- $129 million for a new residence hall, the renovation of four residence halls and building various infrastructure at UNC-Charlotte.
- A $35 million facelift to Reynolds Coliseum at North Carolina State University.
- $32 million in upgrades for the Manning Drive Chilled Water Plant at UNC-Chapel Hill.
- $22.5 million to renovate the Brown Building at Western Carolina University.
- $1 million for improvements at the Student Recreation Center and the Karl Straus Track Building at UNC-Asheville.
The money isn't part of the state budget, and the campuses will pay for the projects by student fees, private donations and other means. Even though no state money is involved, the UNC system is required to seek legislative approval for any capital project over a specified amount.
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