The N.C. Department of Transportation’s regional monthly newsletters includes links to the latest local, regional and statewide transportation news and information.
Sign up to get newsletters delivered to your inbox each month, and check out recent newsletters below.
Division 7 – Covers Orange County
Division 8 – Covers Chatham, Lee and Moore Counties
DriveNC.gov is the Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information website. It provides up-to-date information about road conditions, closures, construction and more, plus vital travel details during emergency conditions.
How To Use DriveNC.gov
| HILLSBOROUGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation has temporarily closed an Orange County road for bridge rehabilitation work. Both directions of Dimmocks Mill Road over I-85/I-40 are closed and are expected to reopen Nov. 21, weather permitting. Traffic is advised to use New Grady Brown School Road, Orange Grove Road and Eno Mountain Road to access points on either side of the closure. Transportation officials remind drivers to plan ahead, be alert to construction crews in the area and obey all posted traffic signs. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov and follow NCDOT on social media. |
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s regional monthly newsletters includes links to the latest local, regional and statewide transportation news and information.
Sign up to get newsletters delivered to your inbox each month, and check out recent newsletters below.
Division 7 – Covers Orange County
Division 8 – Covers Chatham, Lee and Moore Counties
Increased enforcement statewide Oct. 27-Nov. 2
| RALEIGH – Halloween should be scary for the costumes, not the consequences of drinking and driving. The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program hosted a press conference today to launch its annual “Halloween Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign, reminding everyone that if you drink, never drive. Beginning Monday, law enforcement agencies in all 100 counties will step up patrols and sobriety checkpoints to catch and deter impaired drivers before tragedy strikes. “Driving under the influence is a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning ahead to ensure the safety of everyone. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver to transport you to and from your festivities.” According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, hundreds of people lose their lives in preventable impaired driving crashes every year. During last year’s Halloween enforcement period, troopers and local police made 588 DWI arrests as part of the statewide effort to reduce impaired-driving deaths. The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reports that 361 people died in alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina in 2024. There was a total of 11,782 alcohol-related crashes on N.C. roads last year. Please visit this NCDOT website for the state’s most recent crash data. “All the education and outreach won’t have a positive impact without people who make a conscious decision to never get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking or using other impairing substances,” said Daniel Johnson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Transportation. “Had people simply made a decision not to drink and drive, we would have no reason to hold press conferences like this one.” Friday’s press event was held at the Safety City exhibit at the North Carolina State Fair. The interactive exhibit educates fairgoers on driver safety. In addition to Ezzell and Johnson, speakers at the event included State Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Emily Ferraro and Greensboro Police Cpl. Nicholas Walton, an advocate for safe driving. As part of the Halloween Booze It & Lose It initiative, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program also announced the “Don’t Play With Death” media campaign that enforces positive driving behavior. |
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Western North Carolina is open for visitors
| RALEIGH – As communities in Western North Carolina continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, many scenic byways remain open and accessible, welcoming travelers eager to experience fall’s beauty and support local businesses. With recovery efforts underway, now is the perfect time to experience the best of fall in North Carolina. Crisp air, golden light and a kaleidoscope of leaves await along the state’s 62 scenic byways, offering unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re chasing peak foliage or simply looking for a scenic escape, travelers can enjoy winding roads, rolling landscapes and welcoming communities filled with local charm, regional food and plenty of spots worth stopping for. “North Carolina’s scenic byways not only showcase some of the state’s most breathtaking fall landscapes but also serve as vital routes supporting the recovery and resilience of communities impacted by recent storms,” said Jeremy Goodwin, N.C. Department of Transportation’s roadside environmental engineer. “This season, travelers have a wonderful opportunity to explore, enjoy the stunning scenery and contribute to the ongoing revival of Western North Carolina’s towns and local businesses.” The following North Carolina mountain scenic byways remain open and welcome visitors this season: |
Before traveling, NCDOT encourages motorists to visit DriveNC.gov to ensure their route is accessible. To find other scenic byways across the state, visit this webpage.
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