Increased military traffic along Highway 17

By: Press Release | WNCT
Published: January 23, 2008

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – There will be an increase in military traffic between Camp Lejeune and Wilmington Jan 28 and 29 as Marines from the 24^th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transport equipment to the Port of Wilmington to stage for embarkation and transportation.

The Marines will be operating heavy lift vehicles as well as other transport vehicles along Highway 17 and the bypass in order to avoid downtown Wilmington traffic. The convoys will be conducted during daylight hours.

Military traffic on the highway Monday and Tuesday will be a significant presence. Government vehicles with flashing yellow lights will escort and assist with the movement. Less than 200 vehicles will be driven from the base to the port in the two days. Approximately half of the vehicles will be towing trailers and other equipment. The Marines will be traveling in convoy packets of no more than 75 vehicles.

In the interests of safety, motorists are asked to be patient when following and take care when passing military vehicles.

Last week, the 24^th MEU received orders to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the NATO International Security Assistance Forces already in country.
The ship that will transport this portion of the MEU’s equipment has not yet been identified nor has the load date been established. Once that information is known, media will be given the opportunity to cover the load out.

For more information about the 24^th MEU, visit the unit's Web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/24meu.