MORGANTON – Construction to replace the 5-lane bridge on West Fleming Drive (U.S. 64/70) over Norfolk Southern Railroad is permitted to begin as soon as Monday.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $22.9 million contract to Mountain Creek Contractors of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. as the lowest qualified bidder, and the contract calls for completion in early 2026.
The existing 68-year-old bridge will be replaced with a taller structure — to accommodate potential growth in the rail industry — built to modern standards. The 262-foot-long structure will feature 12-foot-wide travel lanes plus a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the south side. The new height requires additional improvements to U.S. 64/70 to reduce the grade of the incline to the top of the bridge.
Traffic management plans call for at least one lane to remain open at all times during construction, and while access to an adjacent shopping center may be restricted, at least one of three access points will remain open at all times.
This month, drivers will notice crews mobilizing equipment and the early stages of earthwork. There will be little disruption of traffic until at least this fall.
Transportation officials encourage drivers to remain alert, slow down and obey all posted signs in and around the work zone.