WILSON – Frank Price Church Road south of Wilson is expected to reopen when an upgrade to the drainage system is completed by late November.
After a February rainstorm overwhelmed the crossline pipe underneath the road, maintenance workers for the N.C. Department of Transportation made temporary repairs to quickly reopen the road near Slabtown Road. However, another storm in May damaged the same location, prompting another closure.
The steep drop in gas tax revenue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the department's ability to make a permanent repair, but funding for the project was recently approved.
A larger metal pipe that can safely carry more water underneath the road will be installed. Crews, which began working on the site Monday, will also repair the pavement and shoulder for a combined estimated cost of $180,000.
The department anticipates reopening the road by Nov. 20.
Wet weather could cause delays, so people should check DriveNC.gov and search under “Wilson County" for any ongoing road projects or closures in their area.