A project to begin restoring the bridges and ramps at the Interstate 95/40 interchange near Benson in southern Johnston County will not start this week as anticipated.
Officials for the contractor, Penhall Co of Los Angeles, have informed the N.C. Department of Transportation they need to reschedule the work for a later date due to recent weather delays.
The work will include improving the driving surface of the two I-40 bridges that go over I-95. The construction will require lane reductions on the two bridges and for some of the ramps to close to traffic overnight. The project had been scheduled to start tonight.
Last year, the department awarded the company a $10.2 million contract to improve the surface of I-40 between exit 313 near N.C. 42 and the I-40/I-95 interchange in Benson. Workers are using a cost-effective process known as diamond grinding to smooth out the existing concrete surface, and they are repairing any cracks and pot holes with the concrete. As part of the contract, the company will rehabilitate the pavement and bridges on several I-40 overpasses to extend their lifespans.
The entire project is scheduled to be completed by next summer.
