Piedmont Bridge Repair Means Traffic Detours

Millions of North Carolina's taxpayer dollars are being spent so road crews can stabilize bridges in one part of the Piedmont.According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says at least six bridges in Rowan, Davie and Forsyth Counties are slated to be repaired  this summer. This is part of the state's $450 million state-funded plan for 2011-2013 to preserve, repair or replace bridges statewide.

The NCDOT has record of 261 bridges in Forsyth County. Most of them were built about 37 years ago and are state-maintained. Matt Jones is an engineer with the agency's Bridge Program. He says crews inspect area bridges every two years. “Currently, there are 57 bridges that we categorized as structurally deficient," says Jones. "Of those 57, 43 are programed to be replaced or rehabilitated. And in some cases the projects have already been done.” According to Jones, the structurally deficient bridges are at least 55 years old. One of these bridges is on I-40 crossing the Yadkin River where Forsyth and Davie Counties meet. The NCDOT says about 48,000 vehicles cross it every day.

Last weekend, work on the westbound lane was cancelled because of the rain. According to Jones, crews are expected to resume repairs this weekend. “Resurfacing the decks of the bridges with a latex modified concrete. It's a more dense type concrete and it helps prevent water from infiltrating into the deck," explains Jones. "It also provides a much smoother riding surface compared to the 50 year old deck that's on there now.” Later this month, similar repairs will be done to the eastbound lane.

Detour routes:
*Local traffic will be routed to US 421 North then to I-77 south to reach I-40 west.
*Other traffic will be diverted onto Harper Road then to US 158 then to NC 801 to get back onto I-40 west.