North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Construction is beginning on a $4.1 million temporary bridge in east Asheville, N.C., to restore transportation access for residents and visitors following damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This week crews are installing a 300-foot modular steel bridge connecting Azalea Road to Gashes Creek Road near the Western North Carolina Nature Center.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is administering the contract with Dane Construction on behalf of the City of Asheville. The bridge installation, riverbank stabilization and road connections are scheduled for completion by summer.
Short-term lane closures on Swannanoa River Road or Azalea Road may occur as crews unload heavy equipment. More extensive closures will be required at times during the winter construction period.
Lane closures will not be permitted on weekdays from 7 to 8:30 a.m. or from 3:30 to 6 p.m. They will also be prohibited during holiday weekends, special events and periods of heavy traffic.
The temporary bridge will remain in place while a permanent structure is built to replace the bridge and dam destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Once open, the temporary crossing will provide residents of the Gashes Creek neighbourhood with direct access to their community and is expected to reduce congestion on Azalea Road. It will also improve access to the Western North Carolina Nature Center and the neighbouring John B. Lewis soccer fields.
More information is available at the city of Asheville’s Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery website.