Transportation

Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 2:39pm

The Highway Patrol completed its Operation "Road Watch" campaign after a two-day intensive enforcement effort on I-85 in Cleveland and surrounding counties.

During the two-day event, which began on Tuesday, May 14, and ended on Wednesday, May 15, Troopers concentrated on commercial motor vehicle violations as well as focused their attention on motorists who were driving aggressively around big trucks, speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.

Established in 2007, Operation "Road Watch" was designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety as well as the efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

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Race Weeks bring traffic changes

Submitted by David Whisenant

Monday, May 13th, 2013, 2:20pm

CONCORD - In preparation for the 10 Greatest Day in Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 17-26, speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information.

With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the City of Concord, Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races. Here are tips from Charlotte Motor Speedway and NCDOT:

Best Routes

For motorists traveling from South Carolina:

Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).

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Food Lion Auto Fair kicks off today

Submitted by David Whisenant

Thursday, April 4th, 2013, 7:41am

CONCORD - The Food Lion AutoFair takes over Charlotte Motor Speedway this Thursday through Sunday, providing a plethora of activities for automotive enthusiasts and families. The four-day extravaganza will feature one of Elvis Presley’s daily drivers, lawn mower racing, the unveiling of “The Last HEMI,” a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Edelbrock, the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 and more.

Elvis Presley Display: The highlight in the Showcase Pavilion is Elvis Presley’s 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II, delivered straight from Graceland. Elvis purchased the Continental Mark II in Miami with proceeds from one of his tours. He needed a new daily driver after fans wrote all over his other Lincoln with lipstick.

In addition to the Lincoln, the display will feature artifacts from his movie “Speedway,” which was partly filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Artifacts include the original movie poster featuring Elvis and co-star Nancy Sinatra, the official script, the movie’s soundtrack album, a large illuminated sign that was used as a prop and Elvis’ navy suit from the movie.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest: During the Food Lion AutoFair, fans can witness a preliminary round of an Elvis Presley Enterprises-sanctioned Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Held Friday and Saturday, contestants will compete to win $2,500, plus a spot in the semifinals for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held during Elvis Week in Memphis, Tenn. in August.

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Traffic heads up: Food Lion AutoFair to impact I-85, Hwy 29

Submitted by David Whisenant

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013, 7:23am

Traffic heads up: Food Lion AutoFair to impact I-85, Hwy 29

CONCORD - The cars inside the track during the Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway are beautiful to behold, but outside the track some drivers may be seeing more taillights than they would like.

With more than 100,000 fans expected at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Food Lion AutoFair this Thursday through Sunday, commuters can expect increased traffic on roadways surrounding the speedway throughout the four-day event.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the speedway throughout the weekend, with high volumes of traffic anticipated during the Thursday and Friday rush hours and throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. Charlotte Motor Speedway officials recommend that visitors to the Food Lion AutoFair utilize U.S. Hwy. 29 and N.C. Hwy. 49 to enter/exit the speedway area as an alternate route to Interstate 85/Exit 49 and Bruton Smith Boulevard.

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Catch a glimpse of the King's ride at the speedway (Elvis, not Richard Petty)

Submitted by David Whisenant

Friday, February 15th, 2013, 7:38pm

Catch a glimpse of the King's ride at the speedway (Elvis, not Richard Petty)

CONCORD - In the 1950s, the world couldn’t help falling in love with Elvis Presley and now fans can view one of The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s personal vehicles, a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II, at the April 4-7 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“AutoFair has always had unique displays, but there has never been anything quite like this,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Elvis is the world’s biggest music icon, and I know car lovers and Elvis fans alike are going to love seeing this rare automobile straight from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis.”

In August of 1956, Elvis purchased the Continental Mark II in Miami with proceeds from his recent tour. He needed a new daily driver after fans had written all over his other Lincoln with lipstick. The new car quickly became one of Elvis’ favorites, and he even drove it to New Orleans for the filming of his popular movie, “King Creole.”

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Road work started on Franklin Avenue

Submitted by David Whisenant

Friday, February 15th, 2013, 7:35pm

CONCORD - Phase two of planned utility work along Franklin Avenue NW in Concord will began on Friday, February 15. The work will require a road closure and detour at the intersection of Franklin Avenue NW with Georgia Street NW, and will provide upgraded sewer lines for area properties.

By splitting the work into two phases, the City was able to minimize disruption to motorists and neighbors. “Our contractor has been helpful in accommodating school buses and other vehicles during the first two months of this project,” said Deputy City Engineer Rick Blat. “The project has progressed to the point where crews need more room to work and complete the upgrades as planned.”

Phase one of the project upgraded area water lines. Phase two is expected to be complete by May 2013.

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Three projects, three counties, one highway slowdown

Submitted by David Whisenant

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013, 5:22pm

Three projects, three counties, one highway slowdown

SALISBURY - Have you noticed that your ride along I-85 seems to be taking a little longer these days? The state says there are three major projects going in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Rowan Counties, and it's going to be that way for a while.

Joy on Facebook posted this around 9 this morning. 'OMG, there is no reason traffic should be like this everyday! Move along people.'

It's a typical comment from drivers who are finding delays on 85 between the Rowan County line to the north and Charlotte to the south.

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