Buddy Phillips work will continue during holiday

While most road work has come to a halt statewide during Labor Day weekend, crews are continuing replacement of the Buddy Phillips Bridge.

U.S. 17 Business in Jacksonville is reduced to two-lane, two-way traffic on the bridge which spans the New River.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is suspending most road construction activities on major routes across the state. The move should help motorists avoid traffic delays, reach destinations faster and cut down on fuel consumption and costs, said Hollie G. Allen, with the N.C. DOT Traffic Systems Operations Unit.

Where work is suspended, it will restart at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The DOT advises motorists to:

• Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible.
• Stay alert. Even if work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts in work zone areas.
• Be patient and obey the posted speed limit. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250.
• Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
• Stay informed. Real-time travel information is available over the phone by dialing 511.

To help reduce fuel consumption and save money:

• Don’t rush. "Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking alone can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent, but reduce travel time by only 4 percent.
• Observe the speed limit. Not exceeding 60 miles per hour where legally allowed can improve mileage by 7-23 percent.
• Use cruise control. Using cruise control on 10,000 miles driven in a year could save you nearly $200 and save more than 60 gallons of fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Remove unnecessary items. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent. Wind resistance can also reduce mileage so avoid using luggage racks, rooftop carriers and ski racks when they are not needed.
• Maintain your vehicle. Keeping your tires properly inflated, changing your oil and replacing air filters can all help improve fuel economy.