A project by the NC Department of Transportation to replace two bridges on Highway 210 near Smithfield is entering its final stages. The replacements round out an overall $10.4 million express design-build contract awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. in 2013 to replace 12 bridges in Johnston County with new bridges by late 2015.
Crews with S.T. Wooten Corp. have completed replacing the bridge on NC 210 over Swift Creek. Now that this replacement is complete, crews have demolished the second bridge in this project, over the Swift Creek Overflow, and have started its replacement. This bridge is scheduled to be complete by mid-September, weather permitting.
Both bridges were constructed in 1934 and were classified as functionally obsolete, which means they were built to design standards that are no longer in use. The new bridges are being built to modern design standards.
Since the closing of Highway 210 in January traffic has been detoured around the construction site.
To date, 11 of the 12 bridges included in this contract have been replaced, including bridges on N.C. 96, Juniper Church Road, Benson-Hardee Road, Old Stage Road, Eldridge Road, Bizzell Grove Church Road, Old Beulah Road, two on Shoeheel Road, Micro Road and now the bridge over Swift Creek. The bridge over Swift Creek Overflow is the final bridge replacement of this contract.
Express design-build is more efficient than traditional design-build for less complex projects. The express design-build method allows the design, environmental permitting, utility relocation and construction to take place at the same time, under one contract. This method reduces overall construction time, helps the department avoid cost inflation, allows the contractor to make innovations that save taxpayers money, lessen environmental impact and alleviate driving delays for motorists.
