N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will begin replacing the bridge carrying Lower Palmer Road over a tributary to Second Creek just east of Rockwell in Rowan County on Monday, July 28.
At 7 a.m., crews will close both directions of Lower Palmer Road as they begin tearing down the existing bridge.
A section of Lower Palmer Road between Upper Palmer Road and Varnadore Road will remain closed to through traffic during construction of the new bridge, which is expected to be complete by 7 p.m. Nov. 24.
Local traffic will be able to access homes and businesses from either end of Lower Palmer Road. Motorists traveling through the area will use the detour route along Varnadore Road, Gold Knob Road and Upper Palmer Road.
NCDOT encourages motorists to pay attention, obey the posted speed limit, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
This project is part of the department’s overall bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges. Built in 1956, the existing bridge is reaching the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced to meet current and future traffic demands. The new bridge will meet current design standards to improve safety.