MARION — A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin shifting eastbound traffic on Interstate 40 at exit 112 in Valdese, starting at 8 p.m. tonight.
Drivers heading toward Hickory should anticipate delays until the shift is complete by early Monday morning, April 29. Eastbound traffic will be moved to a temporary bridge to allow crews to begin demolition of the old bridge. Westbound traffic will not be impacted.
This shift will include temporary closures of the Mineral Springs Mountain Road exit at times over the weekend. Signs will alert traffic to the closure prior to exits 111 and 113, which will serve as alternate routes when needed.
An NCDOT contractor is replacing both I-40 bridges at this location. Work started last summer and is scheduled to be finished by 2021 at a cost of $12.3 million.
Motorists should pay attention when approaching the work zone, obey the posted speed limit, follow posted detours and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.