CLAYTON – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will be allowed to close N.C. 42 over the Neuse River in Johnston County in 30-minute increments on July 15 between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The temporary stoppages are needed for the contractor to safely set six reinforced concrete girders in place for a new Neuse River bridge. The wider span is part of the $58.7 million contract awarded last year to widen N.C. 42 east of Clayton.
Traffic control crews and law enforcement will hold traffic in place during the 30-minute closures.
Beginning at 8 p.m. July 15, the eastbound lane over the bridge will close to set up the crane equipment to move the girders. That lane will remain closed until 6 a.m. July 16. Flagging operations will be used overnight, requiring both directions of travelers to take turns going over the bridge.
The new bridge will have four travel lanes, plus a turn lane in each direction for Castleberry Road. Additionally, a traffic signal will be installed. The overall project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2022.