RALEIGH – A stream that runs alongside Salem Parkway in eastern Forsyth County will be relocated into new channels as part of sustainability work related to the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway project.
Initial plans were to armor Smith Creek with retaining walls and riprap to stabilize the stream in the area where a deceleration lane is planned to carry traffic from westbound Salem Parkway onto the recently completed Beltway. Since that time, however, several significant rain events have eroded the stream between Salem Parkway and adjacent fish hatchery ponds, making those plans impossible without jeopardizing the hatchery operation and stability of the highway.
In response to this challenge, the N.C. Department of Transportation opted to relocate Smith Creek and an unnamed tributary into new, naturally designed channels that will provide long-term stability. A riparian buffer will also be planted with native plants, shrubs and trees.
NCDOT recently awarded a $9.4 million contract to the Thompson Arthur division of APAC Atlantic Inc. to construct the new deceleration lane and stabilize the path of the creek.
This work can begin as early as this month and is scheduled for substantial completion by November 2022.