APEX – The N.C. Department of Transportation is exploring ways to accelerate the plans to replace a culvert that failed under Olive Chapel Road during flooding this week.
Before Wednesday's heavy showers swelled Beaver Creek, causing one of two metal drainpipes under the road to collapse, the department already was making plans to replace and upgrade this drainage system.
Because the failure washed away part of the pavement and shoulder, the department has closed Olive Chapel Road in both directions less than a half mile east of N.C. 540. The department has also closed the sidewalk until engineers can fully evaluate whether it's safe to reopen the sidewalk.
Drivers should factor in the longer commute using the signed detour, which consists of Patterson Grove Road, N.C. 55, Apex Peakway, Kelly Road and U.S. 64. People should avoid this barricaded site for their safety.
The department is working to finalize plans to design the project, acquire additional right-of-way and relocate utilities in the roadway in order to replace the pipes, which were nearing the end of their lifespan. The department has received feedback from the town of Apex on the project.
An NCDOT contractor will need to be hired to construct on site an aluminum, boxed-shaped culvert that will meet the department's modern standards and convey larger amounts of water safely underneath the road. The overall project is estimated to cost more than $2 million.
Department engineers will announce a project timeline as soon as more details are finalized.