MOUNT PLEASANT – Contract crews building a new N.C. 49 bridge over Dutch Buffalo Creek north of Mount Pleasant will shift traffic to a new alignment on Tuesday, Feb. 5, weather permitting.
The original bridge, built in 1946, is considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. While remaining safe, the bridge was built to design standards no longer used, such as narrower travel lanes.
The bridge also carries heavier traffic volumes and needs to be replaced to meet current and future traffic demands, as N.C. 49 is a critical connector between Charlotte and Asheboro.
The new bridge is being built on an alignment just south of the existing bridge. Contractor Dellinger Inc. plans to finish paving work that will connect the new alignment to N.C. 49 on Feb. 5, then shift traffic onto the new bridge the same day.
Construction started in February 2017 and should be completed in July.
Motorists are encouraged to pay attention when approaching the work zone, obey the posted speed limit, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.