SURF CITY, NC (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Transportartion is shutting down one lane of the Swing Bridge overnight starting Sunday, May 5 through Monday, May 6.

This closure will take place 10 p.m. Sunday until 5 a.m. Monday, DOT officials say.

PENDER 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.

PENDER COUNTY, NC - (WECT) - On Google Maps, you can now see the highrise bridge which NCDOT plans on building in Surf City. According to officials, the new bridge will sit about 65 feet above the Intracoastal Waterway.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says the new structure, which will replace the aging swing bridge, will begin at the intersection of N.C. 50/ N.C. 210, which is Roland Ave.  NCDOT argues it will improve traffic flow for both motorists and boaters.