Editor's Note: The traffic pattern change for Interstate 77 North between Surry and Yadkin counties has been delayed to Thursday night. The original news release has been updated below.
JONESVILLE — An N.C. Department of Transportation contractor will shift traffic to a temporary pattern on Interstate 77 between Yadkin and Surry counties Thursday.
Using a series of slow-rolling closures Monday night, crews from Smith-Rowe LLC will shift I-77 North traffic to the I-77 South bridge overnight Thursday to replace the 61-year-old bridge that carries motorists over the Yadkin River and N.C. 268.
Contract crews spent the last several months constructing the temporary pattern on the I-77 South bridge, which is large enough to accommodate both directions of travel until the replacement bridge is finished. NCDOT replaced the I-77 South bridge in this area in 2007.
While no detours will be necessary to shift traffic, the speed limit on I-77 will drop to 55 mph until traffic is shifted to the replacement bridge.
The $16.8 million contract calls for all construction to finish by late 2028. It does not allow narrowing or closing lanes during daytime hours on I-77 or during morning rush hour on N.C. 268.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.