CLYDE – A single lane of U.S. 74 West in Clyde will close for five days while a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation prepares to shift traffic to a temporary bridge.
Crews from NHM Constructors of Asheville will close one lane in a short stretch just south of Interstate 40 starting Sunday night. Westbound traffic will be shifted onto the temporary bridge Thursday night providing drivers with the standard two lanes starting Friday morning.
Westbound drivers may utilize N.C. 209 South (Exit 24) to avoid this work zone. Drivers on U.S. 74 West should anticipate periods of heavy congestion — especially during evening commuting hours — plan ahead and consider the alternative route.
The operation this week is part of a $17.7 million project to replace the bridge which has reached the end of its service life. The temporary bridge has been built to accommodate replacement of the 64-year-old bridge over Southern Railroad. Following the traffic shift, crews will begin operations to move eastbound traffic onto the westbound lanes in order to begin removing the old bridge.
The new bridge will be built to modern standards, including a taller guardrail. Construction activities began last fall, and the contract calls for completion in the spring of 2028.