Bridge, Roundabout Work In Benson Remains on Schedule

BENSON, N.C. — Motorists frustrated with detours around the N.C. 50 bridge at Interstate 95 Exit 79 may soon see an end in sight.

The N.C. Department of Transportation said Thursday that construction on the bridge and new roundabout has advanced rapidly since the 45-day closure began May 28, keeping the project on schedule for a July 12 reopening.

The closure has disrupted travel for local residents, commuters and interstate travelers for nearly three weeks. However, transportation officials say major portions of the project are now complete thanks to extended 12-hour work shifts, including weekends and some nighttime operations.

Since the bridge closed, crews have removed the old bridge railings and completed installation of new, taller concrete railings designed to improve safety. Workers have also made significant progress on the 14-foot-wide sidewalks being constructed on both sides of the bridge.

At the interchange, the foundation of the new roundabout has been completed, including the central island, concrete curbs and truck-mountable apron. The roundabout features a 126-foot-wide central core with a landscaped island and a concrete apron designed to accommodate oversized commercial vehicles navigating the intersection.

While substantial progress has been made, several major tasks remain before traffic can return to the bridge.

Crews must mill away the top layer of the existing bridge deck and apply a new layer of polymer concrete, a durable, fast-curing material that helps protect the bridge surface and extend its service life. After the polymer concrete is installed, grooves will be cut into the bridge deck to improve traction and allow water to drain more effectively during wet weather.

Additional paving and striping work around the roundabout will establish the final traffic pattern and lane markings before the intersection opens to motorists.

NCDOT said those remaining steps will be completed over the coming weeks as crews work toward reopening the bridge and roundabout by July 12.

During construction, interstate traffic can continue using Exit 79, but motorists are unable to cross the bridge. Orange detour signs and blue wayfinding signs directing drivers to nearby gas stations, hotels and restaurants remain in place around the closure.

The bridge replacement and roundabout construction are part of the larger I-95 widening and modernization project between Exits 71 and 81 in Harnett and Johnston counties.