Perdue, Bev. Press Release, 2011-09-01, Gov. Perdue Asks Dot to Suspend Highway Construction for Holiday Travel

Beverly Eaves Perdue Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 September 1, 2011 Contact: Chris Mackey Office: (919) 733-5612 Gov. Perdue Asks DOT to Suspend Highway Construction for Holiday Travel Urges continued caution for travelers in Eastern North Carolina RALEIGH — Gov. Perdue has asked the N.C. Department of Transportation to suspend most highway construction projects over the Labor Day holiday weekend and is advising motorists to use caution when traveling through Eastern North Carolina due to the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. “Our road crews have done a fantastic job to clear our roads quickly in time for holiday travel,” Gov. Perdue said. “The majority of our travel routes are open and traffic is flowing smoothly, but we’re suspending non-emergency road projects to further ease holiday traffic. There are still some areas of isolated flooding, downed trees and power lines, though, where travelers should be cautious and use common sense.” Most construction projects along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes will be suspended beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, until 9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, with the exception of three projects: • U.S. 17 in Windsor (Bertie County) is reduced to one lane over the Cashie River Bridge due to construction. Traffic is controlled by signals; however, commercial trucks are restricted on this route and detour signs are in place. All motorists are encouraged to use the U.S. 17 Bypass around Windsor to avoid possible delays; • U.S. 17 Business in Jacksonville (Onslow County) is narrowed to two lanes at the Buddy Phillips Bridge. • 1-73 Northbound in Greensboro (Guilford County) between Wendover Avenue and 1-40 has one lane closed for bridge construction on Homaday Road. Two other northbound lanes remain open, and all southbound lanes are open. For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit the NCDOT website or follow NCDOT on Twitter.