ALBEMARLE – N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will start demolition work next week on the historic Swift Island bridge on N.C. 24/27 crossing the Pee Dee River, as part of a $20.1 million project awarded in November to PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. of Raleigh.
The project involves rehabilitation work to both bridges, including the replacement of the existing westbound arch bridge’s deck, built in 1927. While the bridges are safe for drivers, extensive rehabilitation work is needed to extend their service life. The bridge’s architectural character will remain intact during construction.
Now that traffic is in a two-lane, two-way pattern on the newer bridge, partial demolition work can commence on the historic arch bridge, which involves removing the bridge deck and columns down to the arches.
Since this process will alter boat navigation under the bridge, the contractor will have buoys and a ‘no wake zone’ in place to help boaters become familiar with the new pattern. One span will remain open at all times.
Overall project completion for both bridges is scheduled for December 2020.