N.C. 42 Bridge Over U.S. 301 Set For 120-Day Closure

WILSON, N.C. – A 64-year-old bridge on N.C. 42 will close for about four months beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25, while contractors complete a major rehabilitation project.

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to close the N.C. 42, or Herring Avenue, bridge over U.S. 301 Tuesday morning.

The closure is expected to last approximately 120 days.

Crews will repair the bridge deck and supports and replace or upgrade components that have deteriorated over time.

As part of the project, the bridge will also be raised by about nine inches to provide additional clearance over U.S. 301 and reduce the risk of future strikes from trucks.

Grooves will also be added to the bridge surface to improve traction and help water drain from the roadway.

Drivers will be directed around the closure using separate detours.

Westbound traffic will use Varnell Road, Weaver Road and U.S. 301 before returning to N.C. 42 beyond the bridge.

Eastbound motorists will be directed onto Ward Boulevard, U.S. 301 at Lipscomb Road, and back to N.C. 42.

NCDOT said motorists should expect longer travel times and use caution around the work zone.