Press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation:
The N.C. Department of Transportation is allowing a contractor to close eastbound lanes of the Bowen Bridge starting today in order to complete a paving project before the expected arrival of snow and ice this weekend.
Transportation officials encourage drivers to utilize I-40 East to I-240 West as an alternate route to minimize travel time delays.
“It is imperative that the work is completed to create the safest driving surface possible,” Division 13 Construction Engineer Randy McKinney said. “Completion is critical with winter conditions expected this weekend.”
The material used to resurface the bridge deck requires temperatures be above 35 degrees. NCDOT engineers hoped the contractor, Southern Road and Bridge, would have completed this work by the end of October when temperatures at night were acceptable.
However, the contractor experienced delays resulting in the work now having to be completed during the day to meet temperature requirements. The contractor will also be required to continue to work at night when temperatures are acceptable.
More than 30 years have passed since the bridges were last paved. This project will extend the life of the bridges at least another 20 years.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.
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