SALISBURY – The N.C. Department of Transportation and Blythe Development Company will begin a repair and preservation project for a stretch of Interstate 85 in Rowan County this weekend.

Signs installed this week will alert drivers of the work to take place starting Sunday in both directions of I-85 between the U.S. 29/601 Connector (Exit 68) in China Grove and just north of Long Ferry Road (Exit 81) in Spencer.

The $16.3 million project consists of concrete pavement repairs, concrete diamond grinding, and bridge preservation work to improve service life along the corridor. New pavement markings and reflective markers will be installed to ensure safe driving conditions.

The work will take place in two sections: from U.S. 29/601 to U.S. 601 in Salisbury, and from south of U.S. 52 in Salisbury to north of Long Ferry Road.

Varying lane closures will be required through the project completion date of June 2021, including spans of up to two weeks when traffic will be reduced from four to two lanes in either direction while concrete slabs are replaced.

On and off ramps along the stretch will also close while they receive a fresh overlay of asphalt. Drivers should follow detour signage during the closures to ensure the quickest access back to I-85.

NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.