Bridge open

Old Fort Road Bridge Closure for Repairs

Those that live or travel on Old Fort Road should be aware of the upcoming closure on June 9 of the first bridge. The following information was provided by Garry Moore, NCDOT Bridge Maintenance Engineer:

The DOT has been assessing all of the older bridges in the area and scheduling repairs as time and budget allows. Those using Old Fort Road are aware that the Whitaker Road bridge was closed for construction for quite a long time (months). This extended time was a result of having to order and wait for a custom steel-plated archway for what became a total bridge replacement. At this time, that is not anticipated with the Old Fort Bridge.

Once the the Old Fort Road bridge was identified as needing repair, the DOT reviewed all current and proposed development in the surrounding area to determine the size bridge that would be required in the future. While The Cliffs development was considered in the decision of what type and size bridge would be needed, the decision to do the replacement was driven by the condition of the existing bridge, and not the development.

Regarding timing, the DOT waited until school was out to avoid school busses having to detour. Construction is set to begin on June 9. They will be replacing the narrow (18'), low-rated (tonnage) bridge with a 24' wide, high-rated bridge. They anticipate it will take between 8 to 10 weeks. In the meantime, the detour is Garren Creek to Whitaker Road to Old Fort Road. This work was identified in February of 2006 but couldn't take place until now because of funding needs.

When asked I if there were any other bridges due for replacement, Mr. Moore said the next bridge up Old Fort Road has been identified but expected it would be one to two years before they would have the funds to do it.

When asked if he was aware of any plans to widen Old Fort Road he said: "I am aware of no plans in place to do that however, when I replace a bridge, I always replace it with a wider bridge. Down the road, who knows. It would be foolish to put an 18' wide bridge in and then a few years down the road they decide to widen the road and the bridge has to be replaced. I always replace narrow, low-rated bridges with wider, higher rated one."

On a side note, the Assistant District Engineer lives on Old Fort and he'll be taking the detour as well.

We'll keep you posted.

Sandie Rhodes
Publisher/Editor
The Fairview Town Crier
editor@fairviewcommunity.com