North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The lead designer for the Interstate 26 Connector project plans to begin geotechnical drilling operations in the French Broad River next week.
Originally scheduled for September, the drilling was delayed due to the impact of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Engineers have now deemed it safe to proceed, and the work is set to begin on Monday, March 17.
Crews from RK&K/S&ME will position two mobile drill platforms in the river, between the Bowen Bridges and Pearson Road Bridges. Each platform, 9 feet wide, will remain in the water for approximately three months and will be equipped with safety features to alert river users.
The drill platforms will be in the river during the day, and whenever possible, moved to the riverbank at night. When on the riverbank, the rigs will be secured with cables to heavy equipment. All equipment left in the water overnight or along the riverbank will be marked with marine safety lights.
Drilling operations are part of the design phase for the I-26 Connector project. This initial work in the river is necessary for finalizing the bridge design. The drilling will assess the condition and elevation of the rock around the planned bridge foundations, providing crucial data for the design process. The team will drill holes about six to eight inches in diameter, extending approximately 50 feet below the streambed.
The latest I-26 Connector plans include an interstate bridge going over Patton Avenue west of the French Broad River.
NCDOT officials say without the cost savings from Archer-Wright’s initial bid on that contract, which includes I-26 over Patton, the project would have been delayed indefinitely.