SMITHFIELD – Work to remove and replace the US 301 bridge spanning the Neuse River south of Smithfield will begin this spring, after the state highway department awarded a $9.4 million contract this month.
The bridge – built in 1926 and widened in 1951 – is nearing the end of its useful life.
US Highway 301 South will not be closed during the three-year construction timeline. Two new lanes of the bridge will be built on the west side of the existing bridge. Once completed, traffic will be shifted onto the two new lanes, allowing for the removal of the existing bridge and additional construction of the new structure.
After construction, the new bridge will have one lane in each direction, separated by a middle turn lane to match the traffic pattern on U.S. 301 on either side of the Neuse River.
The contractor can begin as early as May 2025 with expected completion in 2028.
2028?!
Maybe sooner…The one on 210 is ahead of schedule
No its not ahead of time thats a lie they literally said 1 year and 1 month
By 6 weeks max! Not that big a deal and I’m sure the county doesn’t get any money back on it. ST Wooten just pockets the extra since they are paid a lump sum for the project. Of course they will get it done early, they make more profit that way!
The new bridge want last 100 years
…says the one who can’t spell
It won’t have too….
Why couldn’t they do the same on 210?
Where am I
Why does it need a turn lane?
Have you ever tried to go thru there on Sunday? They have to put cops at the flea market to direct traffic. A turning lane would be a big help.
They better make sure the 210 bridge is finished before they start on the 301 bridge!! Trying to get onto 301 from Packing Plant Road is the biggest hassle and waste of time. Everyone has to detour this way, since the 210 bridge is still not finished. Finish the stinking 210 bridge!!!!
3 years to build a 2 lane bridge that goes less than a 10th of a mile? Seriously?