Major North Carolina road construction projects now delayed due to COVID-19

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced they are delaying all, but about 50 major projects scheduled to start within the next year, Tuesday.

The department anticipates significant impacts to all NCDOT programs and services and said traffic volumes have plummeted, causing at least a $300 million budget shortfall for their current fiscal year.

NCDOT said projects moving forward will be funded by grant anticipation revenue vehicles better known as GARVEE bonds, BUILD NC bonds and federal grants.

And said any new changes will not affect construction projects which are currently underway or have already been awarded.

NCDOT said the department is currently in the process of developing plans for potential furloughs and a reduction in force and are implementing other steps to decrease costs such as laying off temporary and embedded consultants, suspending or decreasing programs, implementing a hiring freeze except for positions that impact public safety and more.

The department said plans have yet to be finalized.

You can visit the NCDOT’s website for a list of projects still scheduled to be awarded within the next year.

OTHER STORIES

Chipotle to pay record $25 million fine over foodborne illness outbreaks

Tuesday coronavirus updates: Gov. Cooper planning to sign executive order to help expand unemployment benefits to furloughed workers

Coronavirus in the Piedmont Triad: County case updates

Winston-Salem city leaders announce 'Mask the City' initiative

FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT 

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media. 

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.