HILLSBOROUGH – The bridge that carries the U.S. 70 Bypass over the Eno River on the east side of Hillsborough will soon be replaced.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $4.8 million contract to Conti Enterprises of Edison, N.J. to replace the 78-year-old structure. Work is expected to begin early this summer and the new bridge is scheduled to open by July 2021.
The existing bridge is considered structurally deficient, meaning it is safe to travel on, but it has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced.
The new bridge is designed to last 75 years. It will feature two-bar metal rails on top of concrete bridge barriers that at a combined 54 inches will be safer for bicycle traffic than the substandard concrete rails on the current structure. The new bridge has also been designed to accommodate a future greenway that could one day pass under the bridge.
A two-lane temporary detour bridge will be installed to minimize the impact on traffic while the existing bridge is removed and replaced. Lane closures will not be allowed in the work zone on weekdays from 6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. or on holidays.