HUNTERSVILLE – The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $30.8 million contract to convert the existing Gilead Road interchange at I-77 to a diverging diamond interchange, a design that allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road, providing easier access to the interstate.
Contractor Blythe Development Inc., will build the interchange, which includes a new bridge to handle eastbound traffic over I-77, with the existing bridge serving westbound drivers.
In addition, a section of U.S. 21 will be widened from two to four lanes on either side of Gilead Road to accommodate a superstreet design, a type of intersection that redirects side-street traffic from going straight or left at a divided highway intersection.
Work can start as soon as Oct. 29, with roadwork scheduled for completion in September 2021. Vegetation establishment and landscaping can continue through February 2022.
This is one of 14 road and bridge projects recently awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation. The contracts went to the lowest qualified bidder, as required by state law. They are worth $507.7 million, which is $12 million under engineer estimates.