COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – More than 13,500 drivers across North Carolina were recently cited for speeding during the Highway Patrol’s Operation Slow Down campaign. The campaign was done in combination with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program No Need to Speed effort.

According to officials, speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities throughout the state and across the country.

Highway Patrol investigated 1,801 fatal accidents in North Carolina in 2012. Of those, 245 deaths were contributed to speed, compared to 244 in 2011, according to the NC Highway Patrol.

Despite the end of the Operation Slow Down campaign, troopers will continue to aggressively enforce the speed limits in North Carolina.

“Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of the motoring public,” said Bill Grey, commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - According to a press release, the North Carolina DOT is temporarily closing a section of U.S. 74/76 East at Livingston Creek between Freeman and Delco in Columbus County on Friday, March 22 at 6 p.m. through Monday, March 25 at 8 a.m., weather permitting.

The closure is necessary to repair the bridge approach on U.S. 74/76 East. Workers will remove the dirt and replace it with concrete and repave the road on the bridge.

Drivers traveling U.S. 74/76 East will take the six-mile signed detour route: N.C. 11 North to N.C. 87 South back to U.S. 74/76.

Drivers traveling U.S. 74/76 West from Wilmington to Lumberton will not be affected by the closure.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

HALLSBORO, NC (WECT)- The North Carolina DOT will be close Pone Hill Road near Red Bug Road in Columbus County on Monday, February 11 at 7 am.  

This closure is necessary so crews can replace cross line pipe along the road.  The road is expected to re-open Tuesday, February, 12 at 3:30 pm.

Use an alternative route if you plan to travel on Pone Hill Road during those times.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.