BENSON – As work progresses on widening Interstate 95 and modernizing its Exit 79 in Benson, a contractor has closed one off-ramp and plans to temporarily close the bridge later this month.
The I-95 southbound off-ramp was closed last week to allow crews to realign it at East Main Street/N.C. 50. During the closure, southbound drivers on the interstate should take Exit 77 instead. The rebuilt ramp is scheduled to reopen May 21.
The N.C. 50 bridge spanning I-95 is scheduled to close starting May 28. While the bridge is closed, interstate traffic can keep using Exit 79, but will have to turn away from the bridge.
The closure is needed to expeditiously and safely do rehabilitation work to the 24-year-old bridge, as well as construct the roundabout where the northbound on- and off-ramps converge with N.C. 242. The rehabilitation work will include installing new outer rails, widening the sidewalks on both sides and improving the concrete driving deck.
The upgraded bridge and roundabout are scheduled to open to traffic by July 12, weather permitting.
Local traffic may use the South Market Street overpass and Cub Road to the south of Exit 79 to get around the closed bridge.
Signed detours for truck traffic will vary depending on direction of travel on I‑95 or N.C. 50, but will include U.S. 301, Jonesboro Road and Exit 77 (Hodges Chapel Road).
To better guide travelers and improve traffic flow during the closure, NCDOT will fabricate and install wayfinding signs along the detour routes to help direct drivers to such businesses as hotels and restaurants around Exit 79. These wayfinding signs will be in place when the bridge closes.
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation is widening the interstate between Exit 71 and 81 (the Interstate 40 junction) from its present four lanes to eight lanes. This project is scheduled to be completed by late spring 2028.