RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast.
Renewal Expiration Dates Extended for DMV Credentials
A new bill, Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0, will give North Carolinians an extension on select DMV credentials. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the bill into law this week.
The extensions are in effect until 30 days after Gov. Cooper lifts the emergency order related to COVID-19.
To find a list of the credentials that qualify, go to ncdot.gov.
Election Campaign Signs Up as Early as Mid-September
Next week, drivers will start seeing election signs along state-maintained roads. A state law allows campaign signs to be placed in the right of way of state roads as early as 30 days before the start of early voting. So, signs can legally be placed on Sept. 15.
Restrictions regarding the signs, include:
- Whoever places the signs is required to get permission from any residential, business or religious institution property owner fronting the right of way where a sign would be placed;
- No signs are permitted in the rights of way of a highways with limited access such as an interstate;
- No sign can be closer than 3 feet from the edge of the pavement;
- No sign can obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.
NCDOT has the authority to remove any signs that violate the rules.
Section of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway Opens
The first section of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is officially open for business. Crews opened the four-mile stretch between U.S. 421 and U.S. 158 this past weekend. It will be signed as N.C. 74 until all six sections on the eastern side of the project are complete and are designated Interstate 74.
Drone Program Completes for Top Transportation Award
NCDOT’s drone program has been named as a finalist for a national transportation award. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has named NCDOT’s Drone Medical Delivery program as one of the Top 12 projects in the 2020 America’s Transportation Awards.
The Top 12 are eligible for two top prizes – the Grand Prize, awarded by a panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, which is determined by an online vote from the public.
You can help the department earn the People’s Choice Award by going online and voting for NCDOT’s drone medical delivery program. You can vote daily through Oct. 25 and the winner will be announced in November.
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.
About Author
