From NC Department of Transportation:
he lead designer for the Interstate 26 Connector project plans to begin geotechnical drilling operations in the French Broad River next week.
Crews from RK&K/S&ME will place two mobile drill platforms in the French Broad River between the Bowen Bridges and Pearson Road Bridges beginning on Sept. 30. Each 9-foot-wide platform will remain in the water for about three months and be equipped with safety equipment to alert river users.
The drill platforms will be in the river during the day and then moved, whenever possible, to the riverbank during the night. When parked on the riverbank, rigs will be secured to heavy equipment with cables. All equipment left in the water overnight or along the riverbank will be equipped with marine safety lights.
Posters and warning signs will be placed at known access points around the river alerting river users of the work. There will also be buoys and lights in the water alerting boaters.
Drilling operations will be conducted as part of a design phase for the I-26 Connector project. This preliminary work in the river is required to complete the design of the bridge.
The drilling operations will determine the condition and elevation of the rock around the proposed bridge foundations so that the design work for the structure can progress. The team will drill a hole about six to eight inches in diameter that will extend about 50 feet below the stream bed.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will work closely with RK&K to alert the public and river users of any unexpected changes, delays, or environmental impacts once the work begins.
About the French Broad River
The French Broad River starts as a small stream high in the North Carolina mountains and flows more than 200 miles to Knoxville, Tennessee, to help form the Tennessee River. It’s the third oldest river in the world and is one of Asheville’s most popular outdoor recreation spots for residents and visitors. Whether you paddle, fish, tube, float or boat on the river, the N.C. Department of Transportation wants you to stay safe on the water.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.