Question: “We were thinking we heard originally that the new bridge on U.S. 601 just before Catawba (College) would be completed in August 2014? We were hoping that is correct and the detours we’ve been having to take will be over soon. Can you give us some insight on how that project is going and when the expected completion date will be? When will the normal route into town be back open there at 601/West Innes Street?”
— Lora Owen

Answer: Soon, and N.C. Department of Transportation officials are confident it will happen before the start of school.
The project is being handled by a Transportation Department group out of Winston-Salem.
According to their contract, construction crews have until Sept. 12 to get it done.
“We’re trying to get it done earlier so it won’t affect bus traffic,” said Aaron Griffith, senior assistant resident engineer with the state agency’s construction office in Winston-Salem. “They have started setting the girders, and the new substructure is complete.”
The bridge’s deck is being prepared, and Griffith said it should have been poured by the end of last month.
Crews will begin finishing up the barrier rail and tying it into the bridge when the deck cures.
“Weather has always been an issue. The good thing is, the parts of the project most affected by the weather have been completed,” Griffith said.
Look forward to driving straight into town soon.

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