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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.

Idalia Impacts North Carolina

Clean-up and repair efforts are underway after the remnants of Hurricane Idalia passed through our state. Idalia was the first major tropical storm to impact North Carolina this year, bringing heavy rains and wind to some parts of our state. The department used its flood warning system in ways it never has before to better protect the public. It also used drones to help track impacts of the storm.

This first storm serves as a reminder for people to have an emergency plan. September is National Preparedness Month and NCDOT is encouraging people to talk with their families and make sure everyone is ready in the event of an emergency or evacuation. People should postpone unnecessary travel in areas still recovering from the storm and go to DriveNC.gov to check for road conditions.

Master Trooper John Horton Bridge Dedication

A bridge in Rutherford County now bears the name of the late Master Trooper John S. Horton. The structure carries traffic on N.C. 120 over U.S. 74 in Shelby. Trooper Horton served with the State Highway Patrol for 15 years. He was tragically killed in the line of duty on Jan. 3, 2022.

Labor Day Construction Halted, Booze It & Lose It

As Labor Day approaches, NCDOT is making sure drivers across the state reach their destinations safely and efficiently. To help ease travel over the holiday weekend, NCDOT is suspending most construction projects along interstates and U.S. routes through Sept. 5.

Also, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program is running its annual Labor Day Booze It & Lose It campaign. Now through Sep. 10, law enforcement agencies statewide will increase patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads. Remember to never drive impaired; always find a safe ride home.

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.