Crews will be doing preservation work on the U.S. 29 bridge over Interstate 85 later this year as part of a $3.2 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded for work on six bridges.
The other bridges are in Davidson and Davie counties. The contract was awarded to American Contracting & Services Inc. of Jeffersonville, Ind.
Crews will do hydro-demolition work on the surfaces of the U.S. 29 bridge near China Grove and four bridges in Davie County, a Transportation Department press release said.
The hydro-demolition process allows crews to use high-powered jets of water to remove any deteriorated concrete. They will then place a layer of latex-modified concrete on the driving surface of the bridges to improve ride quality for motorists, as well as seal and protect the pavement from water damage.
In Davidson County, crews will repair areas where the concrete on the Hickory Tree Road bridge over U.S. 52 near Welcome has deteriorated. Then, they will place an epoxy coating on the bridge’s driving surface to seal and protect it from water damage.
The bridge preservation work can start anytime between May 1 and Oct. 1, with final completion set for 280 days after the start date, the press release said.
Overall, it will help to improve the health of these bridges and extend their lifespan by addressing any issues before they become too extensive to repair, the press release said.