Sandy Ridge Road bridge will close next summer
What: The Sandy Ridge Road bridge over the Deep River needs to be replaced and will require the state to close that section of the road for three months next summer.
Why replace the bridge: It was built in 1956. A July 2003 inspection showed the bridge is in poor condition and should be replaced rather than repaired.
Timeline: The state began buying property near the bridge in April. Construction will begin in April 2006 and is expected to take about a year. The road will be closed for 90 days next summer while school
is closed and there is less traffic.
Why the road has to be closed: It's cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Building a temporary bridge next to the existing bridge would increase the environmental impact to the Deep River
and would double the cost.
How the work will impact traffic: A 2001 traffic count showed an average of 3,000 vehicles drive over the Sandy Ridge Road bridge each day.
Detour: To re route traffic, a four-mile detour will be set up using Johnson Street and Squire Davis, Dilworth and Skeet Club roads.
Cost: $1.3 million
Information: Notices were mailed to homeowners on Sandy Ridge Road. There will be no meeting on the project, but an information line (888-521-4455) has been established.
The state will post message boards on both sides of the bridge beginning today through July 22 alerting drivers to call the information line for more information.
Comments and questions also can be sent to the consultant handling the project for the state at eworkman@rkkengineers.com.
- Amy Dominello
