Work on the project has been divided into three sections:
Watauga Bridge Replacement (Section BA)
The bridge, which carries N.C. 105 over the Watauga River north of the Broadstone Road intersection, will be replaced. Construction began in January, 2022 and is anticipated to finish in early 2026. The N.C. 105 widening is expected to begin in 2030. These schedules are tentative and subject to change.
Shulls Mill Road Intersection (Section BB)
The intersection of N.C. 105 and Shulls Mill Road will be realigned, with Shulls Mill Road meeting N.C. 105 at a right angle with separate right and left turn lanes. The new alignment will give drivers better sight distance when entering N.C. 105. The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a contract to Tri-County Paving, Inc. in summer 2025. Work is expected to begin in September 2025.
N.C. 105 Widening (Section B)
Between Old Shull's Mill Road and Broadstone Road, improvements include extending the existing passing lane to the south, realigning a sharp turn at the southern intersection at Old Shull's Mill Road and N.C. 105, and closing the northern Old Shull's Mill Road and N.C. 105 intersection.
Between Broadstone Road and N.C. 105 Bypass, work includes widening the road to four lanes with a 23-foot-wide raised grass median.
Six-foot paved shoulders will be added along the entire 4.5-mile corridor. The shoulder widths and retaining wall heights will vary along the corridor depending on how steep the mountain is in a particular area. The design includes a reduced conflict intersection.