SANFORD – The N.C. 42 bridge over the
Deep River in the Carbonton community closed Monday, March 5, so contract
workers could begin replacing it.
The 57-year-old bridge straddles the Lee-Chatham county line west
of Sanford. Although safe, the bridge had become structurally deficient and
functionally obsolete, which means it is reaching its useful lifespan and
requiring more frequent maintenance. It also had vehicle weight limits, which
the new bridge will not impose.
After Extreme Concrete Cutting of Gaffney LLC of South Carolina was
awarded a $2 million contract from the N.C. Department of Transportation in
December, the company this month began setting up equipment that will include a
crane used in the demolition of the existing bridge.
The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in November.
A detour route for cars and pickups will direct vehicles onto
Carbonton, Harrington and Steel Bridge roads. Truck traffic should use U.S.
15/501, U.S. 421 and North Plank Road to avoid the construction site on N.C.
42.
Contact: Andrew Barksdale
919-707-2662
acbarksdale@ncdot.gov