MORGANTON – A project to rehabilitate a bridge over Interstate 40 in Burke County is approaching the next phase which includes a six-month closure of the bridge.
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close the bridge on Causby Road over I-40 at Exit 98 starting Sunday night. The marked detour will direct traffic to use exits for Kathy Road (Exit 96) or Jamestown Road (Exit 100) and then utilize U.S. 70 for destinations north of I-40 and Jamestown Road for destinations south of I-40.
Crews from NHM Constructors are rehabilitating the 67-year-old bridge. Over the next six months, crews will remove and replace spalling concrete, rehabilitate the beam structure, pour a new deck, build new approach slabs, and add fresh striping and new guardrail.
“We understand that the detour will be inconvenient for drivers in the area, but the closure is absolutely necessary to make the necessary repairs,” NCDOT Resident Engineer Travis Henley said. “Closing the bridge is the safest, most cost-effective, and most time-efficient manner to conduct this work.”
This project will result in a modern bridge that meets industry standards and will serve local drivers for decades into the future. During these operations, drivers should remain alert, avoid distractions and obey all posted signs in and around the work zone.
NCDOT inspects and maintains more than 18,000 structures across the state including more than 300 in Burke County alone.