North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Wright Brothers Construction Company has been named the prime contractor, and STV the lead designer, for a vital emergency repair project to restore infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene along U.S. 74A, N.C. 9, and U.S. 64 in Henderson and Rutherford counties.
The project focuses on reconstructing approximately three miles of heavily damaged roadway between Bat Cave and Chimney Rock, including several bridges over the Broad River that were severely affected by flooding, washouts, and debris buildup. The storm’s impact left local communities isolated and in urgent need of restored transportation links.
In a first for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the repair effort will use a progressive design-build (PDB) delivery method. This approach allows STV and Wright Brothers to work simultaneously on design and construction, speeding up the recovery process through close collaboration.
As lead designer, STV will provide comprehensive roadway and structural design, river hydraulics analysis, maintenance of traffic planning, utility coordination, and surveying services. Wright Brothers Construction will oversee the construction phase, ensuring rapid and efficient repairs.
“Hurricane Helene’s impact was devastating for North Carolina, with many communities still feeling the effects,” Tom Harris, STV’s vice-president and South/Central region bridge director said in a statement. “With deep roots in North Carolina, we experienced this destruction firsthand and remain committed to helping our neighbors recover, reconnecting local communities by permanently restoring the US 74A connection between Chimney Rock and Bat Cave.”
STV has played an active role in NCDOT’s emergency response since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, contributing to multiple recovery projects in western North Carolina. These efforts include an express design-build contract in partnership with Smith-Rowe to replace two bridges in Division 13, participation as a subconsultant on NCDOT’s US 19 W North progressive design-build project, and conducting damage assessments to support early disaster response in Divisions 11 and 13.
Restoring these critical routes is essential to reconnect isolated communities, enable emergency services, and support economic recovery in the region. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with ongoing updates provided by NCDOT as the project progresses.