Report: Much of Winston-Salem's infrastructure is 'aging out'

Much of Winston-Salem's infrastructure is “aging out” simultaneously. That's according to a report presented to City Council on Monday.

The presentation outlined the city's most pressing infrastructure needs ahead of budget discussions set to take place in May. City Manager Lee Garrity said they may have to consider a future bond referendum due to the long list of projects. 

“We have stormwater devices, public and private, we've got roads, bridges, etc., park equipment, all of it starting to age out," said Garrity.

Budget and Performance Management Director Scott Tesh highlighted dozens of potential projects related to departments including parks, fire, and transportation. He also shared photos of roads and bridges in dire need of attention. 

“The West Lakeview bridge, or what you can see of it is underwater on the bottom left. We talked about priority bridge maintenance – you see the concrete spalling with the rebar sticking out of it," said Tesh. "You try and catch that before it gets to a level that it has to be replaced.”

Tesh said bridge replacements would cost about $30 million, more than what's currently budgeted. He noted the city may qualify for funding to cover these projects through the newly-passed federal infrastructure law.