EAST BEND – A project to replace one of the longest bridges in western North Carolina may begin as soon as late this month.
N.C. Department of Transportation officials recently awarded a $9.5 million contract to replace the 71-year-old bridge on N.C. 67 that spans the Yadkin River and connects Yadkin and Forsyth counties.
Smith-Rowe, based in Mount Airy, earned the contract with the lowest bid among 10 qualified bidders. Construction may begin as soon as March 29, and the contract calls for completion in May of 2024.
Traffic on N.C. 67 will continue driving on the existing bridge until the new bridge, which will be built just to the north, is complete. This eliminates the need for a long detour.
The new bridge will span more than 1,000 feet across the river and Donnaha Park below. Built to modern standards, it will feature 12-foot wide lanes with 4-foot-shoulders plus reflective paint and snow-plowable markers in the middle. The project also creates a safer alignment at the intersection of N.C. 67 and Donnaha Road in Forsyth County.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has agreed to close Donnaha Park during bridge construction and is in the process of posting signs. NCDOT is contacting additional paddling groups and river users to help update online access maps.
Transportation officials remind drivers be alert and slow down in active work zones.