SMITHFIELD – The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close U.S. 301 just north of Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood restaurant to replace a failing crossline pipe.
The closure to through-traffic is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 9. Drivers will be directed to use Interstate 95 at exits 90 and 93 to access U.S. 301 on either side of the closure.
The drainage pipe, which is believed to be over 60 years old, has begun to separate at some of its joints underneath the highway south of Smithfield; the failure is causing the pavement to begin to sink and crack.
A combination of contract and department crews will replace the 24-inch pipe with a 60-inch structure. A waterline next to the pipe had to be relocated last week ahead of the pipe upgrade.
The crews will accelerate the work as safely as possible, and if the weather cooperates, they can complete the pipe upgrade and reopen the road by 5 p.m. Aug. 13.
Drives should expect a longer commute and approach the work site cautiously.
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