North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has selected Zachry Construction Corporation as prime contractor for the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 Bridge Replacement over the Catawba River and N.C. 7 at U.S. 74 project.
Work will strengthen a critical transportation connection between Gaston and Mecklenburg counties, improving mobility and supporting the corridor’s long-term needs. Construction started in September 2026, with substantial completion planned for April 2031.
The structure will replace the existing Catawba River bridge with a larger six-lane structure designed to improve capacity and reliability, including when traffic diverts from Interstate 85 during emergencies.
“Complex bridge work demands more than technical capability. It requires detailed planning, disciplined execution, and a clear understanding of how each phase affects the broader project and traffic flow throughout the surrounding community,” said Kevin Allen, vice president and Southeast regional manager for Zachry Construction Corporation. “Our experience delivering signature bridge and highway programs provides a strong foundation for this work and a clear understanding of how important it is to maintain mobility while building critical infrastructure that communities will rely on for decades.
Improvements extend beyond the river crossing. At N.C. 7/Catawba Street, a reduced-conflict intersection will better accommodate traffic volumes and address recurring backups. New multi-use paths will create additional connections to Gaston College, Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, the ISWA Nature Preserve and proposed Belmont greenway connections, supporting mobility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Zachry’s scope includes grading, drainage, paving, signals, utility work, erosion control, traffic control and structures. The new bridge will incorporate drilled piers, steel piles, prestressed concrete girders, a reinforced concrete deck, barrier rail, lighting and utility conduit, bridge coatings and architectural treatments.
During the past decade, Zachry Construction has built more than 350 bridges, building technical expertise across major transportation improvements and active waterway crossings. That technical depth supports work ranging from complex structural construction to the roadway, drainage, utility and traffic-control elements required to deliver integrated transportation improvements.
Learn more about the project here: US 29/US 74 Bridge Replacement Over Catawba River