Categories: Featured

Wildlife Also Benefitting from Upcoming I-40 Bridge Replacement

SYLVA, NC (November 3, 2021) — It’s a legitimate question in the Pigeon River Gorge: How do the bear, the deer and the elk get to the other side of the interstate?

The answer will soon be, by walking underneath it.

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing for significant construction on a project to replace the bridge on Interstate 40 over Harmon Den Road at Exit 7 in Haywood County.

The plans include two paths — one on each side of Cold Springs Creek — to help wildlife migrate from one side of the interstate to the other without encountering vehicles. A 9-foot tall fence will guide animals to the trails away from traffic and under the bridge.

In addition, NCDOT is evaluating the use of wildlife guards — similar to slotted cattle guards — to prevent deer and elk from walking up the ramps. These measures will hopefully encourage wildlife to cross under the bridge and reduce the possibility of animal accidents.

“We are excited to be adding protections for wildlife in this and other upcoming NCDOT projects,” Division 14 Engineer Wanda Austin said. “We have worked with a wide variety of interest groups, transportation, and wildlife experts to incorporate these unique features to benefit the people who drive the gorge, and the animals that live in the gorge.”

The traffic management plan for this project includes a six-month detour with drivers utilizing the exit and onramps.

In recent weeks, construction crews from contractor Kiewit Infrastructure South have been mobilizing equipment and preparing to begin significant construction activities. This week, crews are upgrading the exit and entrance ramps.

Starting as soon as Nov. 9, all traffic will be funneled into a one-lane pattern prior to the bridge and use the ramps as a detour around the bridge. Traffic will remain in this pattern into May while crews remove and replace the deteriorating structure.

In addition to the unique wildlife features, this five-bridge project is also the first of its kind in the state to be administered in a new method with the intent of forming a partnership between the NCDOT, the contractor and the design team. Kiewit Infrastructure earned the $19 million contract for the first of the five, which has a final completion date set in May 2024.

The result of the new Construction Manager/General Contractor method is lower costs and expedited delivery from the first step in the design phase to the last inspection of the new bridge, and new safe passage underneath.

Drivers desiring to go from Asheville to Dandridge, Tenn., may choose to take I-26 West to Kingsport and then I-81 South to Dandridge. This route adds about 45 minutes to driving time compared to a typical trip through the gorge.


Support the Caldwell Journal for as little as $1 a month through Patreon. Thank you!


 

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Share
Published by
North Carolina Department of Transportation

Recent Posts

A Christmas Of Long Ago

GRANITE FALLS, NC (December 22, 2024) ⇒ We are very blessed and honored to have…

14 hours ago

Caldwell Journal forced to close down

GRANITE FALLS, NC (December 19, 2024) ⇒ Due to the state of my health, I…

4 days ago

NCDOT Prepares for First Winter Weather Since Helene

BOONE, NC (November 20, 2024) ⇒ As the recovery continues from the unprecedented impacts of…

1 month ago

NCDMV Services Being Impacted by NCDIT Mainframe Issues

ROCKY MOUNT, NC (November 14, 2024) ⇒ Division of Motor Vehicles operations are being severely…

1 month ago

USDA Forest Service releases update on Helene’s impacts on ecosystem, infrastructure

ASHEVILLE, NC (November 1, 2024) ⇒ The USDA Forest Service today released its preliminary data…

2 months ago

Patients needing blood or platelets rely on committed blood donors

LENOIR, NC (October 24, 2024) ⇒ The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need…

2 months ago