The N.C. Department of Transportation will begin a safety improvement project on more than 11 miles of roadway in Lenoir and Jones Counties. NCDOT has awarded a $6.5 million contract to Barnhill Contracting Company of Rocky Mount to mill, resurface and reconstruct shoulders on four sections of U.S. 70 between Mt. Vernon Park Drive in Kinston and Dover Road in Jones County. Milling and resurfacing improves both traction and ride quality on the road, which is especially important during inclement weather. Shoulder reconstruction provides motorists with a safe area in case of an emergency. Work on this project is scheduled to begin as soon as Sept. 25, and should be completed by Dec. 2018. Some lane closures will be needed but no detours are proposed at this time.