Charlotte, NC, February 5, 2026
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will carry out comprehensive inspections of all overhead signs on Interstate 77 in response to a sign collapse incident that caused injuries. The inspections will utilize advanced LiDAR technology to ensure safety and detect structural issues. This proactive measure follows public concern regarding signage safety and aims to prevent future incidents. The last structural inspection of the affected sign was conducted in 2019, with no deficiencies found at that time.
Charlotte: NCDOT to Inspect All I-77 Overhead Signs Following November Incident
Charlotte, NC – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced plans to conduct comprehensive inspections of all overhead signs along Interstate 77 throughout 2026. This initiative comes in response to a significant incident on November 28, 2025, when an overhead sign structure collapsed onto a vehicle, leading to serious injuries and a prolonged closure of a major thoroughfare. The inspections will prioritize safety and utilize advanced technology to assess the integrity of highway signage.
The decision to inspect all I-77 overhead signs follows public concern and a review of maintenance practices after the November 2025 crash. The NCDOT will employ LiDAR technology, particularly in highly congested areas of I-77, to conduct these thorough screenings. This advanced scanning aims to detect potential structural issues that might not be visible during routine visual checks.
Details of the November 2025 Incident
On the evening of Friday, November 28, 2025, an overhead interstate sign collapsed onto a car traveling southbound on I-77 near Exit 3 at Arrowood Road, trapping the driver and injuring two individuals. The incident, which occurred just before 11 p.m., resulted in the closure of southbound I-77 lanes for approximately seven hours, causing significant traffic disruptions.
According to NCDOT officials, the collapse was triggered when a drunk driver struck the sign’s support structure. Emergency responders from the Charlotte Fire Department swiftly worked to extricate the trapped driver, a complex rescue operation that took less than 30 minutes despite freezing temperatures. The two injured patients were transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries. Repairs to the damaged sign structure were completed by December 3, 2025.
NCDOT’s Inspection Protocols and History
The NCDOT maintains that its previous inspection schedule for overhead sign structures met current state-level standards. These standards mandate clearance measurements every two years and a full structural inspection of overhead signs every eight years.
Records for the specific sign that collapsed on I-77 indicate it underwent a LiDAR scan in 2017, which identified no deficiencies at that time. The most recent comprehensive structural inspection for that sign was conducted on October 20, 2019, at which point it was rated in “fair” condition. No additional full structural inspections were performed on that particular sign between the 2019 assessment and its collapse in November 2025. Currently, no changes to the NCDOT’s inspection standards have been announced.
Understanding Overhead Signage and Safety
Overhead signs play a crucial role in highway safety and traffic management by providing essential navigational information and warnings to motorists. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the Nation’s highways, bridges, and tunnels, emphasizing safety and mobility. Standards for highway sign design and traffic control devices are outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a nationwide publication.
The rigorous inspection program planned for I-77 is a proactive measure to address infrastructure safety concerns raised by the recent incident. By conducting these widespread inspections with advanced technology, the NCDOT aims to reassure the public about the safety of its highway infrastructure and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCDOT inspecting in 2026?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to conduct comprehensive inspections of all overhead signs along Interstate 77 in 2026.
Why are these inspections taking place?
These inspections are a direct response to an incident on November 28, 2025, where an overhead sign structure collapsed on I-77, causing serious injuries and traffic disruption.
What caused the November 2025 sign collapse on I-77?
The NCDOT stated that the collapse was caused when a drunk driver struck the sign’s support structure.
What technology will be used for the inspections?
The NCDOT will use LiDAR technology for these inspections, particularly focusing on highly congested areas of I-77.
What are the NCDOT’s standard inspection requirements for overhead signs?
According to NCDOT standards, clearance measurements are taken every two years, and a full structural inspection of overhead signs is required every eight years.
Have NCDOT inspection standards changed since the incident?
As of now, no changes to the NCDOT’s inspection standards have been announced.
Key Features of NCDOT Overhead Sign Inspections
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection Scope | All overhead signs along Interstate 77 | State-level |
| Inspection Year | 2026 | State-level |
| Reason for Inspections | Overhead sign collapse incident on November 28, 2025 | State-level |
| Technology Used | LiDAR technology, especially in highly congested areas | State-level |
| Standard Clearance Measurement Frequency | Every two years | State-level |
| Standard Full Structural Inspection Frequency | Every eight years | State-level |
| Current Standard Changes | No changes to NCDOT inspection standards announced | State-level |
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Overhead Sign Collapse Injures Two on I-77 South
Author: HERE Charlotte
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