Update: September 2026
The Johnson Street & Sandy Ridge Road Widening project continues to move forward and is on schedule under prime contractor Blythe Construction. The overall project is approximately 16% complete.
What’s Happening On-Site
- Bridge construction: A major milestone is underway at the bridge site. Following girder placement and steel reinforcement work, crews poured the Stage 1 bridge deck on Sept. 21.
- Roadway Grading and Stabilization: Grading crews are active on Phase 1, finishing grading along the east side of the road.
- Drainage and Utilities: Drainage pipe crews continue installing side drains, top pipes, and driveway connections alongside active erosion control work. Utility relocations are progressing throughout Phases 1, 2, and 3, with Phase 1 utility operations targeting completion in October 2026.
Construction Phases
- Phase 1 (Active - Skeet Club to Kendale roads): Land clearing is complete for all currently accessible areas. Roadway grading, drainage installation, and bridge deck construction remain the focus. Contractors are targeting a traffic shift onto the newly paved alignment by late November 2026.
- Phase 2 (Kendale to Gallimore Dairy roads): Piedmont Natural Gas has cleared key utility conflicts along Bame Road, allowing clearing operations to begin soon on the first section of Phase 2.
- Phase 3 (Gallimore Dairy Road to I-40): Utility coordination and preliminary relocation activities continue ahead of future roadway construction.
Update: May 2026
The Johnson Street & Sandy Ridge Road Widening project is progressing smoothly, as of May 2026. Blythe Construction is handling the construction and is under contract with the N.C. Department of Transportation. The overall project is currently 12% complete.
What to Expect On-Site
Drivers and residents will notice a lot of active site preparation underway, including ongoing utility relocation, land clearing, and extensive grading and earth-moving operations. Additionally, crews are actively installing new underground drainage pipes, maintaining erosion control measures, and making progress on the bridge substructure.
Construction Phases
Phase 1 (Current): Runs from Skeet Club to Kendale roads. Blythe is currently actively working on Phase 1 of this three-phase project.
Phase 2 (Upcoming): Extends from Kendale to Gallimore Dairy roads. Will become available for construction this summer. Crews are currently working on utility relocations.
Phase 3 (Future): Extends from Gallimore Dairy Road to I-40. Scheduled to commence next year. Crews are currently working on utility relocations.