Education Wednesdays – What is a Road Diet?
A road diet is a conversion of usually a four-lane roadway to a three-lane road made up of two through lanes and a center-two-way-left-turn -lane. Drivers can use the dedicated turn lane to safely turn and move out of the traffic flow, so they’re not holding up drivers behind them.
With a road diet, left turns will only cross one lane of traffic instead of two. The reduction of lanes allows the roadway cross section to be reallocated for other uses such as bike lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, transit stops, or parking.
The science behind road diets
Studies conducted by the Federal Highway Administration have found several benefits of road diet installation:
- An overall crash reduction of 19 to 47 percent;
- Reduction of rear-end and left-turn crashes through the use of a dedicated left-turn lane;
- Fewer lanes for pedestrians to cross and an opportunity to install pedestrian refuge islands; and,
- The opportunity to install bicycle lanes when the cross-section width is reallocated.
Why install road diets?
- Reduces traffic speed
- Reduces rear end and head on collision crashes
- Accommodates bike and enhanced pedestrian safety
- Creates better connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Dedicated turn lanes ease anxiety for drivers
See below for a brief video from ITRE on road diets.
Rail Safety Top of Mind During See Tracks? Think Train Week
RALEIGH – BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division’s railroad safety program, is promoting National See Tracks? Think Train Week through education and outreach.
On Tuesday, as part of Operation Clear Track, BeRailSafe and partner organizations, including the Clayton Police Department, N.C. Operation Lifesaver and Amtrak Police, conducted crossing blitzes to teach motorists and pedestrians about safe behaviors at railroad crossings and how to contact the railroads in case of emergency.
“Meeting people near railroad crossings gives us a chance to share information they can use every day,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “We want people to understand what signs and signals mean, where it’s safe to cross and why they should stay off railroad tracks. Reaching people before someone gets hurt is the purpose of this week’s outreach and the work BeRailSafe does year-round.”
A crossing blitz brings safety partners to areas near railroad crossings to speak directly with the public and distribute safety information. Operation Clear Track brings law enforcement, first responders and Operation Lifesaver partners together for similar outreach across the country.
See Tracks? Think Train Week runs Sept. 21–27. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the national rail safety awareness campaign. BeRailSafe also provides free rail safety training to police, firefighters and 911 operators across North Carolina and shares safety information at community events throughout the year.
To prevent tragedies on railroad tracks and at crossings, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:
- All railroad tracks are private property, and trespassers can be arrested or fined, according to North Carolina General Statute.
- Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks. Tracks are not a shortcut.
- The only safe, and legal, place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing designated with either a rail crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate.
- It takes a train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile to stop – that’s more than 18 football fields.
- Never drive around lowered gates. It’s illegal and deadly.
- Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If you stop to wait for a train at a traffic signal, always stop safely behind the white line.
- If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out and call the number on the blue and white sign posted on the crossing gate.
For more safety tips or to request a BeRailSafe presentation, visit this BeRailSafe.org and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Overnight Closures Scheduled for Moore County Road
| SEVEN LAKES – N.C. Department of Transportation crews will conduct nightly closures on a section of a Moore County road starting this week as part of the ongoing N.C. 211 widening project. A section of Seven Lakes Drive from N.C. 211 to MacDougall Drive will close nightly Sept. 10-17, weather permitting. Work will begin each night at 9 p.m. and reopen by 6 a.m. the following morning. The closures are necessary for crews to replace storm drains and crossline pipes, and to relocate waterlines. During the closure, motorists will be detoured via N.C. 211, Love Grove Church Road, Carthage Road and Seven Lakes Drive. 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. |
Ramp Closure Scheduled for I-85 in Orange County
HILLSBOROUGH – N.C. Department of Transportation crews are set to close an off-ramp along Interstate 85 this week, weather permitting.
The off-ramp at Exit 163 from I-85 South to I-40 East will close starting tonight at 9 p.m. to allow for hauling and clearing operations. The ramp is expected to reopen by Sept. 12 at 5 a.m.
During the closure, a signed detour will direct motorists to take Exit 161 to get on the I-40 East on-ramp.
Transportation officials remind drivers to plan ahead, remain alert and obey all posted traffic signs.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Lee County Road Closure Upcoming
SANFORD – The N.C. Department of Transportation is set to temporarily close part of a Lee County road this week to allow crews to replace two crossline pipes. Starting Sept. 9 at 8 a.m., both directions of N.C. 42 (Avents Ferry Road) will close near Poplar Springs Church Road. The road is expected to reopen by 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, weather permitting. A signed detour will be in place directing traffic around the closure via Poplar Springs Church Road. 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. |
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Statewide Labor Day Enforcement: ‘Booze It & Lose It’ Campaign
Runs Aug. 31-Sept. 13
RALEIGH – As Labor Day approaches, law enforcement agencies and traffic safety professionals across North Carolina are reminding drivers to celebrate responsibly and plan for a safe ride home. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program gathered with officials in Fayetteville this morning to announce the launch of the upcoming Labor Day Booze It & Lose It campaign. The statewide enforcement initiative, which runs from Aug. 31 through Sep. 13, uses amplified outreach and enforcement efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road during one of the busiest and most dangerous travel times of the year. The annual campaign brings awareness to the dangers associated with driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol, which plays a major role in vehicle-related deaths. In 2025, 1,528 people were killed in crashes on North Carolina roadways, including 378 deaths in alcohol-related crashes. The goal of the Labor Day enforcement period is simple: prevent impaired driving and help everyone get home safely. “We are urging everyone to plan ahead and choose a sober ride home from any celebration involving alcohol or other impairing substances,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Our partners in law enforcement will be out in force to keep roads safe and stop those who put others at risk. Safety remains our number one priority.” Drivers who plan to drink should arrange a sober ride before heading out. Options include designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service or taxi, taking public transportation, or staying overnight at a friend’s or family member’s home. NCGHSP encourages all drivers to celebrate responsibly, buckle up, follow the speed limit and never drive while impaired. |