ReportWire

Tag: APP Traffic and Transit

  • I-75 reopens hours after dump truck hits overpass in Marion County

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Interstate 75 reopened Wednesday morning, hours after a dump truck hit an overpass in northern Marion County overnight.

    The impact caused damage to the County Road 320 bridge, and major delays on southbound I-75, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. 

    “Preliminary looks like (the dump truck driver) had been working in the area and the dump bed was up,” said FDOT District 5 Spokeswoman Cindi Lane. 

    FDOT said the 55-year-old driver from Ocala, was driving the dump truck with the bed in a raised position when it collided with the overpass, causing significant damage. The driver of the truck was not injured. 

    The crash initially caused all southbound lanes on I-75 to close between County Road 234 (Exit 374) in Alachua County and County Road 318 (Exit 268) in Marion County.

    FDOT said drivers should still expect delays and use caution in the area as crews continue to work on repairs. 

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Child Passenger Safety Week aims to reduce child deaths on the road

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Child Passenger Safety Week is underway in North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    • Recent CDC data shows that 700 kids under 14 years old were killed across the country in 2023
    • Almost half of them were not strapped into their car seat or strapped in correctly
    • The NHTSA says that properly used child restraints reduce deaths by 71% for infants younger than 1 year old


    The awareness campaign runs between Sept. 21-27, and is focused on reducing child deaths on the road.

    It has helped contribute to decreasing the number of kids dying in car crashes by over half since 1975.

    Still, recent data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that 700 kids under the age of 14 were killed across the country in 2023. Nearly half of them were not strapped into their car seat or strapped in correctly, officials say.

    It’s why Carolinas Medical Center, in partnership with Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg, hosts free car seat check events across Charlotte.

    These events give parents an opportunity to make sure their children’s car seats are properly installed.

    Director of Injury Prevention at Carolinas Medical Center Janice Williams says the events are important because while the seats can be installed based on the manufacturer’s instructions, every car has different limitations.

    “Some might let you leave it in the middle seat, some of them, the seats might not be long enough to hold the whole car seat,” Williams said. “We have to help with the compatibility with the child, the seat, the vehicle, and what the parent is going to use correctly every single time.”

    Williams says protecting your child in the car goes beyond the installation of their seat.

    “When the harness is wrong, the child can still move in the crash, and still takes a portion of the injury,” Williams said. “And if they’re small size, that can end up being very severe and life-altering for them.”

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says properly used child restraints reduce deaths by 71% for infants under the age of 1, and 54% for kids between 1 and 4 years old.

    State law requires kids who are under 8 years old and weigh 80 pounds or less to stay in a car seat or booster. Williams, however, recommends using a booster until they’re at least 10 years old.

    It is recommended to follow NHTSA’s car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size.

    You can use NHTSA’s Car Seat Inspection locator to find a location near you. 

    Nick Buffo

    Source link

  • Mecklenburg board of commissioners approve transportation authority

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Change could be coming to Charlotte’s transit system after Mecklenburg County commissioners voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve the creation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority.

    The plan now heads to voters in a November referendum. If approved, a one-cent sales tax would go directly toward public transportation projects. Essentials like groceries, gas and medicine would be excluded from the tax.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mecklenburg County commissioners voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve the creation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority

    • If approved, a one-cent sales tax would go directly toward public transportation projects

    • Advocates with Sustain Charlotte pushed commissioners to include riders directly in the decision-making process in Tuesday night’s hearing

    • The conversation around transit has stretched for years, but safety has become more urgent since the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail in August


    Commissioner Chair Mark Jerrell said the decision reflects growing urgency around improving mobility.

    “The consensus is that something needs to be done.”

    Jerrell says the new authority would replace the existing board and play a crucial role in overseeing transit.

    “Transit and transportation are important components of any growing community. We have got to be able to move people to critical points, access points to jobs, employment, education centers,” he said.

    Advocates with Sustain Charlotte pushed commissioners to include riders directly in the decision-making process in Tuesday night’s hearing.

    “We urge you to incorporate the following principles into your appointment process. First, to prioritize lived experience by including at least one daily catch bus rider among the appointees. This would require coordination with the city,” Meg Fencil of Sustain Charlotte said.

    Commissioners agreed, pledging that at least one board seat will be reserved for a rider.

    “That’s what we want. We want everyone to be able to participate with respect to the authority, and we’re going to make sure that we get the right people that are reflective of the community,” Jerrell said.

    The conversation around transit has stretched for years, but safety has become more urgent since the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail in August.

    “One life is too many. And so it did help amplify this conversation to allow us to make sure that we remain focused on safety,” Jerrell said.

    Jerrell added that while safety on public transit remains a priority, it is still unclear whether revenue from the tax would help fund private security already contracted by the Charlotte Area Transit System.

    If approved, officials say about 30% of the money raised would come from people living outside Mecklenburg County.

    Jerrell confirmed the application process for the authority has begun, and there will be deadlines for the board selection process.

    Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte Shannon Binns sent the following statement:

    “Sustain Charlotte is very encouraged that the County Commission voted to move this important step forward. Creating a regional transit authority is a vital investment in our community’s future and will help build a more coordinated, accountable, and rider-focused transit system. We are especially glad to hear that at least one seat for a local transit user will be reserved on the new board. Riders bring essential lived experience to these decisions, and their voice will strengthen the authority’s work. We would like to see all appointing bodies go further by prioritizing lived experience in their selections, ensuring transparency in the appointment process, and requiring board members to ride transit at least periodically. That way, decisions about the future of our transit system are grounded in the realities of the people who depend on it every day. Buses are the backbone of our transit system and will continue to be, so representation from those who use them regularly is critical.”

    Jordan Kudisch

    Source link

  • ODOT reports major decline in crashes when intersections become roundabouts

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials provided funding for more than 25 roundabouts in July, which has resulted in a noticeable decline in crashes.

    What You Need To Know

    • ODOT reports that single-lane roundabout have caused a 69% decrese in injury crashes    

    • Gov. Mike DeWine announced $137 million in projects during July 2025    

    • Twenty-five roundabounts are set to be installed in the coming months

    ODOT reported, of the 76 intersections that had been converted to roundabouts, that single lane roundabouts resulted in a 69% decrease in injury crashes and a 25% decline in dangerous crashes when multi-lane roundabouts are used.

    The data comes ahead of National Roundabouts Week, an event centered around saving lives.

    “Safety is the driving force behind every decision we make, and the results are clear, roundabouts are very effective at reducing crashes and saving lives,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Our goal is to continue to support our local, county and state partners by providing funding for roundabouts.”

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced several traffic projects amounting to $137 million in cost during July, including 25 roundabout installments.

    Ryan Johnston

    Source link

  • Widening project on I-275 in Pinellas begins

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A major widening project is now underway on I-275 in Pinellas County.

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction is now beginning on widening project on I-275 in Pinellas

    • New express lanes will be built from 38th Ave N to Gandy Blvd

    • The project is expected to be done in 2030


    It’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward initiative, which is to give drivers relief from traffic across the state. 

    This new project on I-275 goes from 38th Ave North to 4th Street North.

    Two express lanes will be built in each direction of I-275, from 38th Ave N to just south of Gandy Blvd. And an additional express lane will be added to the ones that opened on I-275 last year with the Gateway Expressway, from south of Gandy Blvd to 4th Street, making two in both directions in that area.

    FDOT officials say that thanks to the new state funding, construction on the $340 million project will now start sooner.

    “It would’ve been another 8-10 years to get this project to construction had we not had this new funding,” said John McShaffrey, community outreach manager with FDOT. “And with the congestion we have out there, the sooner we can build the new lanes and express lanes, the better for everybody to move traffic through the area more freely.”

    These new express lanes will be tolled lanes. FDOT officials say using the tolled lanes has been successful in reducing traffic in other areas.

    “We’re using express lanes all over the state. It’s an alternative for people. It’s a choice. So if people are willing to pay the extra money to get into the express lanes, they have more consistent and more reliable travel times. But in turn, that also frees up traffic in the general use lanes for everybody else,” McShaffrey said.

    And future plans call for extending those new express lanes to downtown St. Petersburg.

    This project is set to be done in 2030. Drivers will see crews out there now getting it started.

    If you have any questions about this new project, FODT is holding a public workshop about it on Sept. 25 at the PSTA office in St. Petersburg, from 4:30 to 6:30.

    Tim Wronka

    Source link

  • 26-mile stretch on Blue Ridge Parkway reopens almost a year after Helene

    A 26-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Craggy Gardens has reopened, the National Park Service announced Monday.

    The reopening marks the completion of two more landslide repair projects following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

    After the completion of the projects at mileposts 375 and 380, officials said they were able to reopen the section of the parkway between Asheville and the Ridge Junction Overlook near NC 80 and the Mount Mitchell State Park entrance.

    The newly reopened section includes popular stops in the Craggy Gardens area, near milepost 364. Those stops include the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Craggy Pinnacle Trail and short sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

    Officials said the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail from the Craggy Trail Shelter to the Snowball Mountain Trail remain closed, however.

     

    “Today’s opening also provides access to other popular, adjacent recreation areas, including Mount Mitchell State Park and lands managed by the USDA Forest Service,” the park service said.

    For more information on Mount Mitchell State Park’s reopening, click here.

    Officials said additional projects are beginning at 45 remaining locations along the parkway as part of a phased system to restore road access to areas damaged by Helene.

    Anyone traveling to the Blue Ridge Parkway should plan their trip carefully, officials said, to ensure safe travel and avoid delays. To find more information on road closures along the parkway, click here.

     

    Justin Pryor

    Source link

  • Public hearings set for Poinciana’s Southport Connector Expressway

    POINCIANA, Fla. — Three public hearings will take place next week on the Southport Connector Expressway, called the “Great Wall of Poinciana” by some. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Public hearings are set for Sept. 16, 17 and 18 regarding the Southport Connector Expressway

    • Central Florida Expressway Authority says the elevated toll road would reduce congestion in Poinciana

    • Critics argue the toll road, built in the median of Cypress Pkwy, would split Poinciana in half


    The Central Florida Expressway Authority will hold public hearings on the Project Development and Environment study on Sept. 16, 17 and 18.

    Poinciana drivers have some of the worst commute times in the nation.

    “It was pretty bad when we first moved here. It has gotten much worse since then,” said Keith Laytham, a resident of Poinciana’s Solivita 55+ community for 17 years.

    The expressway authority said traffic on Cypress Parkway has increased 25% in the past 5 years, and they expect it to increase another 29% in the next 25 years.

    “Cypress Parkway is very heavily congested,” said Laytham.

    That is why early on, Laytham supported the Southport Connector Expressway, an elevated toll road built in the median of Cypress Parkway.

    “Right in the middle of the lanes here,” Laytham explained. “But the best part would be (it would) overpass all of the traffic lights at the intersections.”

    The expressway authority’s Southport Connector Expressway would stretch from Poinciana Parkway through Poinciana, below Lake Toho and over to Florida’s Turnpike.

    However, some residents aren’t for the plan, including Lita Epstein.

    “There’s no question that it’s going to divide the community,” said Epstein.

    Epstein started a group urging for an alternate route, concerned an elevated expressway down the middle of the community would split Poinciana in half.

    “There really is not much choice for Poinciana,” she said. “Poinciana has no alternative.”

    When it became apparent that officials would not consider an alternate route, Epstein pushed for this project to include more benefits for residents of Poinciana.

    Instead of building a wall down the middle of Cypress Parkway for the elevated toll road, the expressway authority agreed to make some of it a bridge-like structure.

    “It won’t be as much of a wall. The Great Wall of Poinciana won’t exist for most of the community,” said Epstein.

    Another big victory, according to Epstein, is the expressway authority agreeing to widen Cypress Parkway, so that local traffic not on the new toll road will have six lanes instead of four.

    There are still others who think the Southport Connector Expressway won’t benefit local drivers, the widened Cypress Parkway will have narrow lanes, and the construction will affect businesses and the environment.

    But Epstein and Laytham see more eye-to-eye now, agreeing something has to be done to tackle the crushing congestion in Poinciana.

    “We can’t go with the no-build alternative, leaving traffic conditions as they are,” said Epstein. “No, because it’s a parking lot already,” Laytham added.

    Here is information on the three public hearings:

    • Liberty High School
      • 4250 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee, FL
      • Tuesday, Sept. 16
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Virtual
      • Wednesday, Sept. 17
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
      • Register here
    • Poinciana Community Center
      • 445 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana, FL
      • Thursday, Sept. 18
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Anthony DePalma Center
      • 395 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana, FL
      • Thursday, Sept. 18
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    Jerry Hume

    Source link

  • Tractor-trailer overturns on St. Pete entrance ramp, catches fire

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — An overturned tractor-trailer caused traffic delays Tuesday morning, with its driver being hospitalized.

    The Florida Highway Patrol said it happened at about 7:20 a.m. when the rig was traveling westbound on the exit ramp leading from northbound I-275 to SR-690. 

    “The driver failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle overturned, erupting in flames after a fuel leak,” an FHP spokesman said.

    The driver suffered serious injuries.

    Shortly before 11 a.m., FHP said crews were still working to clean up the ramp.

    The driver’s name hasn’t been released.

    Photo by Florida Highway Patrol

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Aloma Park resident frustrated over drivers blocking entrance to neighborhood

    WINTER PARK, Fla. — Drivers who seem like they are ignoring traffic signs off Aloma Avenue in Seminole County are causing concern and frustration for one Aloma Park resident. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Chris Hill says drivers ignore the ‘Do Not Block Intersection’ sign at the intersection of Aloma Avenue and Shale Court

    • Hill says a white X needs to be added to the pavement on Aloma Avenue to further emphasize drivers shouldn’t block the intersection

    • Florida Department of Transportation officials say there are plans to start a corridor study of Aloma Avenue soon


    Chris Hill said it’s difficult to get to and from his neighborhood off Aloma Avenue.

    “I have to sit here and wait to get in my own housing development,” he said.

    Hill lives off Shade Court, near where Aloma Avenue meets Howell Branch Road and Hall Road.

    It’s a busy spot where traffic gets backed up.

    “Sometimes the traffic will be backed up around the corner trying to get through this light,” he said.

    Even though there’s a sign that warns drivers not to block the intersection at Shale Court, Hill said they still do.

    He said he would like to see crews paint a white X on the pavement of Aloma Avenue at Shale Court to further emphasize that drivers should not block the intersection.

    He says it’s not just drivers ignoring signs — cyclists on the Cross Seminole Trail are also not stopping when he’s trying to pull onto Aloma Avenue from Shale Court.

    “As you see right there, there’s a stop sign. On the other side right there, there’s a stop sign,” Hill said. “They’re supposed to stop right here before they go through here, but they don’t.”

    Spectrum News reached out to the Florida Department of Transportation about the issue.

    FDOT spokesperson Tim Freed said the agency is planning to start a corridor study of Aloma Avenue, also known as State Road 426, from Howell Branch Road to Dean Road in the coming weeks.

    The study will look at improving safety and traffic efficiency along the roadway, including at Shale Court and the Cross Seminole Trail.

    “Somebody’s going to get killed, and when they get killed, somebody’s gonna be screaming bloody murder, and I’ll be like, ‘Hold on, time out. You didn’t listen to me when I told you. You have a problem,’” Hill said.

    Until something is done, Hill said he plans to use his online radio program, which he does from the patio of his house, to advocate for safety improvements.

    Do you have a traffic trouble spot? Or maybe a solution to a road-related problem? Tell us about it here.

    Jerry Hume

    Source link

  • Some Bradenton residents torn over mini roundabouts

    BRADENTON, Fla. — Some Manatee County drivers are split over new roundabouts.

    What You Need To Know

    • County officials say the new road pattern is meant to make intersections safer for drivers, but some residents aren’t convinced

    • One resident tells Spectrum News it is causing confusion

    • The mini roundabouts are at 51st St. West and 33rd Ave. Drive West, and 51st St. West and 21st Ave. West


    County officials say the new road pattern is meant to make intersections safer for drivers, but some residents aren’t convinced.

    They’re concerned about the new mini roundabouts that were built at two busy Bradenton intersections.

    Every day, Adam Sahhar and his best bud, Winslow, go for a walk from their neighborhood to the park.

    But recently, the route has looked different because of a new mini roundabout at 51st Street West and 33rd Avenue Drive West.

    “People come down this road pretty quickly, and now they’re confused, and it causes weird traffic back-up,” Sahhar said.

    County officials say one of the goals of this mini roundabout is to alleviate traffic.

    It’s one of two mini roundabouts built over the summer. The other is at the intersection of 51st St. West and 21st Ave. West.

    The county says both are in high-traffic areas. For example, they estimate the one at 51st Street has between 8,000 and 10,000 cars traveling through it each day.

    But people who live nearby claim it’s not a big problem.

    “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense because this was never a major intersection,” Sahhar said. “We’ve lived here for almost seven years. I’ve never seen a single accident here. And outside of the times when G.T. Bray (Recreation Center) has a big event where they could use some traffic control, there’s never a whole lot of traffic coming through here.”

    County officials say they received public requests for crosswalks and complaints about speeding. They decided the best option was to build a mini roundabout, which they say will address speeding concerns and make it safer for pedestrians to cross.

    But Sahhar says it’s making things more difficult.

    “There’s no way for us to safely get across this way. And we’ve seen a lot of very confused drivers either come to a complete stop at the intersection — because it never was a stop sign before — or hesitate since it was always just a through road,” he said.

    Adam said he and Winslow will continue their walks as they try to take the changes in stride.

    According to the county, work on both mini roundabouts is substantially complete.

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Shoreway eastbound remains closed due to water main break

    CLEVELAND — Drivers who use eastbound Route 2, otherwise known as the Shoreway, for their commutes may want to find an alternative route for the next few days.

    What You Need To Know

    • The closure is due to a water main break that Cleveland Water said its working to repair

    • It’s closed on the eastbound side starting at the intersection of Lake Avenue and the Shoreway to the W. 45th Street exit
    • There’s no estimated time for repair, as Cleveland Water said it’s a “complex process”

    Stemming from this weekend, a portion of the eastbound side of the shoreway remains closed. Earlier Tuesday morning, the road was closed off abruptly at the W. 45th Street exit. As of 12 p.m., it’s now closed starting from the intersection of Lake Avenue and the Shoreway to the W. 45th Street exit. The Shoreway is open though immediately after the exit. 

    The closure caused a significant backup Tuesday morning. (Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

    The closure is due to a water main break that Cleveland Water said it’s working to repair. Cleveland Water said there’s a leak along a 36-inch main, which has caused water to cover a section of the Shoreway.

    “Crews are continuing to close additional valves in the area to control the flow of water to the leak without disrupting service to our customers,” Cleveland Water said in a statement. “These valves are spread out in the surrounding neighborhoods and not in the immediate vicinity of where water has surfaced.”

    Cleveland Water didn’t give an estimated time for a repair, saying the issue is a “complex process” because of how old the main is and it’s proximity to the Garrett Morgan Treatment Plant, a water tower and other water mains. 

    In the meantime, alternative routes are encouraged.

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • Why won’t Orange County open a connection road to Lake County?

    LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A single barrier is all that prevents Lake County drivers from cutting their commutes to Walt Disney World in half.

    What You Need To Know

    • Deborah Running says her drive to Disney from her Lake County home would be cut in half if she were able to access Flemings Road

    • Orange County placed a barrier to block Sawgrass Bay Boulevard from Flemings Road

    • Orange County says they’re waiting for a developer to make Flemings Road a four-lane road to handle the anticipated traffic

    • The road should be completed by Nov. 30, 2026, per Orange County


    Deborah Running says if Sawgrass Bay Boulevard in Lake County were open to Flemings Road in Orange County, it would cut down on drive times considerably.

    Right now she has to take US-27 to US-192 and then up to Avalon Road to access Western Way and the back entrance to Disney World.

    “That would take 35 minutes, maybe 40-45,” Running explained. “If I went this way it would take about 15 to get to the same spot.”

    This way is the end of Sawgrass Bay Boulevard where a newly constructed cul-de-sac from Lake County is located.

    Off the cul-de-sac is a road with a barrier. On the other side of the barrier is Flemings Road, which provides access to Western Way and Disney.

    “It does not make sense. It’s a road that exists. It connects Lake County to Orange County, and it could cut people’s drive times in half,” said Running.

    Orange County put up the barrier, preventing drivers from traveling between the two counties.

    A year ago we told you what drivers would do: go off-road to cut through to Disney.

    While not as commonplace now, people will still do it to cut their drive time in half.

    “It could definitely be connected if Orange County would just agree to do it,” said Running.

    Orange County does plan to remove the barrier, but city leaders are waiting for a developer to make Flemings Road a four-lane road that can handle the anticipated traffic.

    We obtained a study for Orange County that found if no truck traffic was allowed, Flemings Road could handle the local traffic from Lake County for the next 10 years.

    But Orange County’s manager of the transportation planning division said opening the road during construction would cost more, and could take longer to construct.

    Orange County recently updated its estimated construction completion forecast from Jan. 1, 2026, to Nov. 30, 2026, another setback for Running.

    “Disappointed and a little angry,” said Running.

    Running is part of a group, Connect 2025, hoping to keep Orange County’s promise to open the road up to Lake County.

    The group Connect 2025 says the biggest people to benefit from the connection are the service workers living in Lake County, but working at Disney and the attractions area.

    They say that opening the connection would have economic and environmental benefits.

    If you’ve got a traffic trouble spot, please fill out the form here.

    Jerry Hume

    Source link

  • NCDOT to begin permanent repair projects in Chimney Rock, Bat Cave

    CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — Construction to rebuild roads and bridges is ongoing in western North Carolina nearly a year after Helene. 

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation gave Spectrum News 1 a tour of a two and a half mile stretch of Chimney Rock and Bat Cave Tuesday to view the destruction and work to rebuild the region’s vital infrastructure.

    What You Need To Know

    • Helene washed out a portion of U.S. 74, which connects Chimney Rock to Bat Cave

    • A temporary road has been opened for local traffic

    • NCDOT plans to begin construction on a permanent road later this year

    • The project is estimated to cost $250 million


    Helene washed out a portion of U.S. 74, which connects Chimney Rock to Bat Cave, sending pieces of asphalt into the river below. The only way engineers could assess the damage was to hike there by foot.

    “It was very overwhelming seeing the challenge and devastation that was here,” Nathan Moneyham, the division construction engineer for NCDOT Division 13, said. “I think one of the things was that we knew we could do it. I think the question was how long it would take.”

    NCDOT quickly began building a temporary road in the middle of the riverbed below U.S. 74. The road came to life as engineers used rail cars as bridges. The temporary road opened in May.

    “That can serve this community so folks can go to the grocery store, go to doctor’s appointments and get back to some sense of normalcy as they start to rebuild,” Moneyham said.

    Engineers are now designing a permanent road to be built where U.S. 74 once stood. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed by 2028. The project is estimated to cost $250 million.

    In Bat Cave, NCDOT plans to replace a bridge that connects U.S. 64 and U.S. 74. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2027. 

    Moneyham is hopeful this work will bring a sense of normalcy back to the region. 

    “We’ve got this temporary road established a lot faster than anybody expected,” Moneyham said. “A lot of the businesses in the [Chimney Rock] village are starting to open. The state park opened back in June. It’s really a big milestone and accomplishment, and really needed for the people that live and have businesses here.”

    Chloe Salsameda

    Source link

  • New speeding cameras aim to make school zones safer

    Starting this fall, cities and counties across North Carolina will be allowed to install speed cameras in school zones.

    Senate Bill 391 includes a new transportation law aimed at improving road safety. 

    Cities and counties across the state will be able to install the new camera systems beginning Oct. 1.

    Here’s how it works:

    • A camera installed around the school zone could take a picture of your vehicle if caught speeding
    • The ticket would include the date, time and speed, and be signed by an officer
    • A flat fine of $250 would be imposed, but would not add any points to your license
    • All camera zones will be required to post clear warning signs within a thousand feet
    • Violators will have 30 days to pay or appeal the ticket
    • Anyone who chooses not to pay will incur a $50 late fee, and/or may not be able to renew vehicle registration until it’s paid

    The bill was approved in June by both the North Carolina House, and Senate. Gov. Josh Stein signed the bill into law on July 1.

    You can find more information on SB-391 by clicking here.

    Justin Pryor

    Source link

  • Names of victims in fatal tour bus crash on Thruway released

    The investigation continues into Friday’s deadly tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway outside Pembroke in Genesee County. There were 54 people on board at the time of the crash.

    What You Need To Know

    • The investigation continues into Friday’s deadly tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway outside Pembroke in Genesee County

    • There were 54 people on board at the time of the crash

    • Five people were killed, and the victims were identified by authorities as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55; and Jian Mingli, 56, both from Jersey City, New Jersey

    • Dozens more were injured

    Five people were killed, and the victims were identified by authorities as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55; and Jian Mingli, 56, both from Jersey City, New Jersey. Dozens more were injured.

    According to New York State Police, the bus involved in the crash was towed to the state police headquarters in Batavia Friday night.

    The cause of the collision was still under investigation as of Saturday afternoon. However, the driver –– Bin Shao, 55 of Flushing, New York –– had no signs of impairment, and the tour bus had no mechanical failure. Police said the bus drove into a median before overcorrecting, rolling over and crashing into a ditch. 

    State Police Maj. Andre Ray said Friday evening that the driver had been distracted, but didn’t elaborate.

    Police said the bus was heading to New York City after a trip to the American side of Niagara Falls.

    “It’s a full-size tour bus. Heavy amount of damage. It did roll. Most people, I’m assuming, on the bus did not have a seatbelt on. That is the reason we had so many ejected people on this bus. Like I said, this bus is extremely damaged,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, a New York State Police Troop A public information officer. “This bus was going full speed. It did not hit any other vehicle. It basically lost control from the median on.”

    A total of 21 patients were transported to ECMC hospital after the crash. Seven were discharged Friday, six remained hospitalized in stable condition, five were in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit in stable condition and another three were in the Observation Unit in stable condition. Two patients were scheduled for discharge Saturday.,

    In a statement, Kaleida Health said that they received a total of 20 patients to Buffalo General Medical Center (four adults: all were in good condition with one since discharged), Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (11 adults, two children: 10 in good condition and three in fair condition) and Oishei Children’s Hospital (three children total: two in good condition and one in serious condition).

    The University of Rochester Medical Center said that six patients were at their facility. Three were transported via air ambulance and another three by ground ambulance. Two were being treated for critical injuries and four were medically stable, including one pediatric patient. 

    An investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board, in coordination with New York State Police and the state Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Compliance Bureau, was ongoing.

    Those who may have witnessed the crash or have dash cam footage were asked to contact New York State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200.

    Adriana Loh

    Source link

  • EV fast charging expands in North Carolina

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina’s electric vehicle market continues to accelerate.

    What You Need To Know

    • Koulomb recently opened a 12-charging station depot off I-485 in south Charlotte
    • Ionna has set up similar concepts known as “Rechargeries” in Garner and Apex
    • More than 112,000 EVs were registered in North Carolina as of February, according to NCDOT


    More than 112,000 EVs were registered in the state as of February, a nearly 40% increase from the same time last year, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

    As more drivers make the switch to electric, fast-charging networks are expanding across the state.

    Charlotte area-based company, Koulomb, has several fast-charging stations across the Queen City.

    It recently opened a charging depot off I-485 in south Charlotte. It’s equipped with 12 fast-chargers and allows drivers to re-charge their electric vehicles in about 15 minutes under a solar canopy.

    “We can have 12 cars here at once,” Co-founder Jeff Constantineau said. “We haven’t seen that yet, but I imagine that day will come at some point.”

    The site, which looks a bit like a gas station, has been at least two years in the making.

    “It took a long time,” Constantineau said. “But there was a lot of work to be done here, and we pride ourselves in quality and we have to do the job right.”

    Constantineau says the location helps accelerate the company’s goal to settle EV owners’ worries about driving long distances, otherwise known as “range anxiety.”

    “This is a in-a-pinch solution,” Constantineau said. “Eighty percent of charging should be done at the home and in the garage. This 20% solution is really to fill that gap and provide customers more confidence to buy the EV and take the extra step.”

    He admits not every driver has access to a charger at home or at work. And as of February, there are just under 2,000 public charging stations across North Carolina, not including Tesla chargers, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

    “The technology is constantly improving,” Constantineau said. “Right now, we’re just throwing a pretty big band aid on a problem that’s occurring in the Southwest.”

    On the other side of the state, Ionna, which is a partnership between eight of the world’s top automakers, has set up similar concepts known as “Rechargeries” in Garner and Apex.

    The expansion of charging networks in North Carolina comes as President Donald Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will end a $7,500 federal EV tax credit at the end of September.

    Constantineau says he’s uncertain about the impact that will have on his business.

    “We got involved in this business because drive EVs, and we just believe it to be the better technology,” Constantineau said. “It’s more fun to drive. They don’t break down, the cost of ownership is super low… we believe in the technology.”

    Constantineau says they’re showing no sign of pumping the brakes on expanding their charging network across the state.

    “We’re going to build two more [depots],” Constantineau said. “I think we’ll build another two that aren’t depots, that are just kind of four spaces, and then we’ll probably pause for a little while and just watch customer feedback.”

    Koulomb currently has nine charging stations across the southeast U.S., including North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia.

    Nick Buffo

    Source link

  • First week back in school leads to hundreds of citations in school zones

    ORLANDO, Fla. — There were nearly 700 traffic stops in school zones across Orange County during the first week of school. 

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that out of those stops, deputies handed out about 250 citations for speeding, for which fines are double.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly 250 drivers were cited for speeding in Orange County school zones the first week of school

    • All of those fines are doubled in a school zone

    • Deputies caught drivers going upwards of 40 mph over the speed limit in a school zone


    In a video posted by the sheriff’s office, one deputy even caught a driver going upwards of 40 mph over the speed limit

    “It is alarming that a lot of people are not following the law around schools, around where children are,” said Justin Battle, a dad in Orange County.

    Drivers from last week who were cited now have to pay hundreds of dollars, which is an expensive reminder to slow down in a school zone.

    Dozens of other Orange County drivers were let go with a warning, and that’s just one week.

    “It is wild,” said Katilin Page, an Orange County mom.

    Kaitlin walks home with her son Lucas every day.

    “He loves the school. He told me he almost likes it better than the weekend,” she said.

    Lucas loves school, but he also loves the crossing guard.

    The crossing guard keeps a close eye on speeders and distracted drivers.

    “Sometimes people aren’t paying attention, and he will blow his whistle multiple times, so we feel very safe with him guiding us through the crosswalk,” Kaitlin said.

    Kaitlin said she would love to see flashing lights and even more signage near Hillcrest Elementary to remind drivers, kids are here. 

    A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office says they do increase patrols in school zones now that school is back in session and the SROs who are already there, help keep an eye on speeders and distracted drivers.

    Sarah Winkelmann

    Source link

  • Several Amtrak routes canceled after train derailment Sunday in North Carolina

    A CSX train derailed Sunday afternoon, spilling coal over the tracks and cancelling several Amtrak routes through North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    •  A CSX train derailed Sunday near Enfield, North Carolina, on a mainline used for passenger service

    •  28 cars carrying coal where involved, but officials said there were no injuries and there is no risk to the surrounding area

    •  Amtrak routes including Raliegh to New York, Washington, D.C. to Raliegh and Miami to New York have been impacted


    The train derailed around 4 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from CSX, on the mainline used for passenger service located east of West Franklin Street in Enfield, North Carolina.

    The derailment has caused several Amtrak routes to cancel service while crews work to clear the site.

    Officials said affected routes include Raleigh to New York, Washington, D.C. to Raleigh and several routes traveling from Miami to New York.

    The incident involved 28 cars loaded with coal. There were no injuries, no hazmat leaks or spills and no threat to the surrounding community, according to the release.

    Enfield’s mayor, Mondale Robinson, said the incident did not happen within the city limits, but rather north of Enfield near the Binderholz work site.

    For more information on the route cancellations, visit Amtrak.com.

    Justin Pryor

    Source link

  • Ribbon cutting for Manatee 44th Avenue extension project

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — Manatee County leaders cut the ribbon on the 44th Avenue extension project on Monday, which connects Bradenton with Lakewood Ranch and will reduce traffic on area roads.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee leaders cut the ribbon on the 44th Avenue extension project on Monday

    • The final phase adds about two miles of new roadway, which includes a bridge over I-75

    • The new road connects Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch  

    • The extension can accommodate about 36,000 vehicles per day


    “This has been a very long time coming for at least 25 years,” said Bob McCann, Manatee County Commissioner. “This new stretch of roadway is truly a game-changer.”

    The final phase of the extension project adds about two miles of new roadway, which includes a bridge over I-75. McCann said the extension can accommodate about 36,000 vehicles per day. It is expected to reduce traffic on State Road 64 and 70 by 21,000 vehicles per day.

    “This overpass now creates a strong, safe link between Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Two thriving and fast-growing areas,” said John Kubler, F-DOT Director of Operations. “It’s the kind of project that shows what thoughtful infrastructure can do. Connect communities, provide quality of life and get ahead of growth instead of being overwhelmed by it.”

    Crews were still putting the final touches on the extension, which will officially open to drivers on Saturday.

    “They used to call it the ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’ We don’t have a bridge to nowhere anymore,” said McCann. “Now we have a cohesive community that could be connected by this transportation.” 

    Florida House Rep. Bill Conerly said about $28 million in grant money was used to build the 44th Avenue extension.

    Construction of the first phase began in 2013.

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Haines City could be the next stop added to FDOT’s SunRail project

    TAMPA, Fla. — Haines City could be the next stop added to the Florida Department of Transportation SunRail expansion that currently serves 17 stations in the Orlando region.

    A project development and environment study is underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT conducting a Project Development and Environment study to potentially add Haines City to its SunRail.

    • The SunRail currently serves the Orlando region, with 17 stations.

    • Haines City SunRail meeting will be held in September for public input; date and location to be announced

    • Business owners in downtown Haines City hope the stop is added to the area.


    Business owners like Suzette Gomez hope the project passes. She started her own business, 555 Nutrition.

    “Everything here is healthy, and we also do free full body scans,” she said.

    Gomez opened the store five years ago in downtown Haines City. She was drawn to its growth and a welcoming atmosphere.

    “I really love the community here in Haines City and I love being around different cultures,” she said.

    She sees about 40 to 50 customers a day, a number she hopes will increase if Haines City becomes a stop in the FDOT’s SunRail expansion.

    “A lot of people will start knowing more of the downtown area,” Gomez said. “There’s a lot of small businesses here.”

    SunRail currently operates over 61 miles with 17 stations.

    With Polk County being one of the state’s fastest growing counties, Haines City Mayor Morris West said this could help alleviate traffic congestion.

    “Haines City is a destination for people that are retiring and moving here,” West said. “We’re working diligently as a city commission and as city council members to make sure we get some alternative transportation for our Haines City residents and beyond.”

    City officials have been staying proactive in the project by purchasing buildings near the proposed location to help make way for more parking.

    Gomez says it could be an impactful addition. “For those who either don’t drive or don’t feel comfortable riding here on a bike,” she said.

    To serve as that connection to the heart of downtown and beyond.

    The first public meeting for the SunRail expansion in Haines City project will be held in September. The date and location haven’t been announced yet.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link