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NCDOT to suspend construction during holidays

RALIEGH, NC (WMBF) - The NC Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities over the Thanksgiving holiday to help ease traffic delays and improve driving conditions throughout the state.

Most construction projects along interstates, NC and U.S. routes will be suspended beginning at 4 p.m., Tuesday until 9 a.m. on Nov. 30, with three exceptions:  

• One of three lanes will be closed on I-85 North and I-85 South at the interchange with NC-62 at Exit 113 near High Point due to construction of the US-311 Bypass. No work will occur during the holiday; however, the right lane in each direction will remain closed.

• One lane of US-220 South at the Randolph/Montgomery County line will be closed due to the construction of rest areas. No work will occur during the holiday; however, the right lane in each direction will remain closed.

• U.S. 17 in Windsor (Bertie County) is reduced to one lane on the Cashie River Bridge due to construction. Traffic is controlled by signals; however, no trucks are to use this route and detour signs are in place.  Motorists are encouraged to use the US-17 Bypass around Windsor.

In addition, I-40 is closed at mile marker 2.6, near the Tennessee state line, due to a rockslide that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 25. A detour has been set up. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West in Asheville to I-26 West. Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions. This detour adds 53 miles.

Currently, one lane of NC-12 for about a half mile north of Rodanthe is open to traffic and the town is accessible following damage from ocean overwash last week due to a nor'easter.

By Nov. 23, the road will be open to two-lane, two-way traffic for the holiday week. On the following Monday, reconstruction of the highway will resume and lane closures to a single lane of traffic will be in place.

Motorists are 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
• Know before you go by calling 511, the department's free travel information line, or get real-time travel information on line. NCDOT also offers travel information for motorists and ferry passengers on Twitter.

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