NORTH WILKESBORO — One of the oldest bridges in Alleghany County will be replaced in the near future.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a contract to replace the 70-year-old bridge on N.C. 18 over the Little River.
James Vannoy & Sons Construction out of Jefferson, N.C. earned the contract worth $4.8 million to replace the bridge.
Work may begin in the area southwest of Ennice on Jan. 28. Completion of all work except for vegetation should be concluded by July 1, 2021. The new bridge will span about 300 feet, consist of 12-foot lanes with four-foot shoulders and clear the river by about 30 feet.
Construction will initially include the creation of a temporary bridge to the north of the existing bridge to accommodate traffic during construction of the permanent bridge.
This is one of 10 highway, bridge and ferry projects recently awarded by NCDOT. As required by state law, the contracts went to the lowest qualified bidder. They are worth $69.5 million.