RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has installed cutting-edge slope monitoring devices along the Pigeon River Gorge corridor as reconstruction of Interstate 40 continues in western North Carolina. The new technology provides real-time ground movement tracking and detects terrain shifts to protect both construction crews and motorists.
The monitoring system operates around the clock, sending instant alerts to project teams when potential slope hazards are detected. This allows crews to respond quickly to any dangerous conditions that may develop along the critical transportation corridor.
NCDOT developed this proactive safety measure in direct response to Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage to this section of I-40 in 2024. The advanced monitoring represents a significant step forward in construction site safety and hazard prevention.
Wilson Baseball Team Honors Highway Workers
Approximately 50 North Carolina Department of Transportation employees from Highway Division 4 received special recognition this week for their Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The Wilson Tobs, a summer collegiate baseball team, paid tribute to the state workers who assisted with disaster response in western North Carolina.
The ceremony took place at historic Fleming Stadium before a game between the Tobs and the Holly Springs Salamanders. The honored employees, including maintenance, bridge, and equipment workers from the Wilson-based highway division, were invited onto the field for the recognition ceremony.
A maintenance supervisor among the honorees threw out the ceremonial first pitch to begin the game. These state workers had traveled to western North Carolina last fall to help their colleagues reopen roads and restore access following what officials described as the state’s worst natural disaster.
Statewide Bridge Strike Prevention Initiative Launched
NCDOT has joined forces with other East Coast states in a comprehensive campaign to prevent vehicle strikes on bridges. The initiative addresses growing concerns about drivers relying on mobile GPS mapping tools that may not contain accurate, real-time bridge clearance information.
The campaign specifically targets incidents involving low-clearance bridges and tall vehicles such as commercial trucks and rental vehicles. Transportation officials are encouraging all drivers to check their vehicle height and verify clearance information rather than depending solely on GPS navigation systems.
The department’s message emphasizes the importance of paying attention to posted bridge heights and warning signage to prevent dangerous and costly bridge strikes.
Enhanced Speed Enforcement Campaign Underway
A joint safety initiative between the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and law enforcement agencies across North Carolina is working to reduce speeding through increased enforcement and public awareness. The “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign runs through July 27 and includes enhanced patrol activities on both highways and local roads.
The initiative aims to remind drivers that speeding is both dangerous and illegal, with potentially serious consequences for violators. Transportation officials are urging motorists to obey posted speed limits, drive sober, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
The coordinated enforcement effort represents a statewide commitment to improving road safety and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities throughout North Carolina.
