NORTH WILKESBORO — Speeds are expected to be faster this year during race week at the North Wilkesboro Speedway — walking speeds, at least.
The N.C. Department of Transportation is managing a project to install a new bridge over U.S. 421 to accommodate pedestrians attending events at the raceway and eliminate the need to close a nearby road.
This new 16-foot-wide bridge will cross the highway and provide easy access to the speedway facility for those who park in lots south of U.S. 421.
Smith-Rowe, LLC, out of Mount Airy, earned the $2.2 million contract to install the span, which will look similar to a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 40 in Davie County. Contract crews are currently building foundation pieces for the bridge, which is being manufactured in Alabama.
It will be shipped to North Wilkesboro, then assembled during a multi-day closure of Fishing Creek Road. A one-night closure of U.S. 421 — a date to be determined — will provide safe access for crews to set the bridge in place with large cranes.
NCDOT engineers anticipate opening the bridge to foot traffic during a small ceremony in May.