ASHEVILLE — The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $12.3 million contract to replace a bridge over Interstate 40 and improve the interchange in McDowell County.
The existing two-lane bridge will be used for traffic while crews build a three-lane bridge a few feet to the west. Additional improvements include reducing the curves of ramps, extending the length of the eastbound on-ramp, curb and gutter and new pavement at Exit 81.
The new bridge will provide residents and visitors with safer and better access to Marion, as well as southern McDowell County.
National Bridge Builders of Kernersville, N.C., earned the contract to replace the 61-year-old bridge on Sugar Hill Road, and crews may begin construction as soon as July 29, 2019 with the completion date of March 14, 2022.
This project is one of six road and bridge projects recently awarded by NCDOT at a cost of nearly $53.8 million.