RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation this week emphasized storm preparedness as peak hurricane season continues, while highlighting unique transportation services including a ferry-assisted school bus route and announcing the launch of its biannual litter cleanup campaign.
Peak Storm Season Demands Continued Vigilance
North Carolina has faced significant challenges from multiple tropical systems over the past year, with impacts spanning the entire state from the mountains to the coast. Hurricane Helene devastated mountain communities a year ago, while Tropical Storm Chantal struck the Piedmont region in July. Most recently, Hurricane Erin affected coastal areas last month.
These consecutive weather events underscore the unpredictable nature of storm season and the potential for any single system to cause widespread damage across different regions of the state.
“These events serve as stark reminders that it only takes one storm to devastate an area,” NCDOT officials stated in their weekly update.
State transportation officials are urging residents to remain vigilant throughout the remainder of hurricane season by maintaining updated storm supplies and evacuation plans. Residents are particularly encouraged to “know your zone” for emergency evacuation purposes.
Preparedness resources are available through ReadyNC.gov, while real-time travel information can be accessed at DriveNC.gov.
Unique Ferry Service Supports Island Students’ Education
The start of the new school year has renewed attention on one of North Carolina’s most unique transportation services: a school bus route that includes a ferry crossing.
Middle and high school students living on Knotts Island in Currituck County rely on a specialized commute that involves boarding a school bus, which then travels aboard a ferry to reach the Currituck mainland. The process reverses each afternoon for the return trip home.
This distinctive transportation solution, established in 1962, allows approximately 100 students daily to avoid a significantly longer alternative route through rural areas of Chesapeake, Virginia. Without the ferry service, students would face extended travel times on narrow, winding two-lane roads.
The ferry route represents NCDOT’s commitment to ensuring all students have reasonable access to education, regardless of their geographic location.
Fall Litter Sweep Launches Statewide Cleanup Effort
NCDOT has launched its Fall Litter Sweep campaign, running from September 13-27, as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain clean and attractive roadways throughout North Carolina.
The biannual initiative combines the efforts of NCDOT crews with community volunteers to remove trash and debris from state roadways. Participants are provided with necessary supplies including trash bags, reflective safety vests, and gloves.
The program represents a collaborative approach to roadway maintenance, relying on civic engagement to supplement professional cleanup efforts. Community involvement helps extend the reach of litter removal activities while fostering local pride in maintaining clean transportation corridors.
Interested volunteers can find participation information and register through NCDOT’s Litter Sweep webpage.
Additional Information
The weekly highlights are featured as part of NCDOT Now, the department’s regular newscast providing updates on transportation-related activities and initiatives across North Carolina.
For additional information about NCDOT programs or to access other news stories from throughout the week, the public can visit NCDOT.gov or contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660.
