SALISBURY – Rain has delayed the start of the first of two planned bridge replacement projects on Union Church Road in Rowan County.
N.C. Department of Transportation contractors originally planned to close the road on Monday, Feb. 25 to start the replacing the bridge over the Church Creek tributary closest to Stokes Ferry Road. Due to weather and other factors, the start has been pushed back to 8 a.m. on March 18.
The 45-year-old bridge will be demolished and replaced with a box culvert under the road. It is expected to open by June 17.
Motorists will be able to use Stokes Ferry, Beagle Club and Bringle Ferry roads to detour around the closure.
Once construction of the first bridge replacement is complete, the bridge closest to Bringle Ferry Road will then be closed for replacement.
This project is part of the department’s overall program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges and ensure the safety of drivers who rely on them.
NCDOT reminds motorists to use extra caution around the work zone and anticipate possible delays along the detour route.