Work on a bridge connecting two counties over the Catawba River is expected to start soon.
The new Castle Bridge, which will have a 10-foot-wide multi-use path, will be built just west of the existing bridge.
The bridge connects Burke and Caldwell counties via Malcom Boulevard in Rutherford College to Connelly Springs Road in Caldwell County.
The Castle Bridge project was assigned in late August. The contractor for the project is Balfour Beatty Construction from Wilmington for $30.8 million, said David Uchiyama, spokesman for NCDOT.
Construction can start on Sept. 29, with a date of completion set for March 30, 2029, he said.
When construction actually starts will be determined following a pre-construction meeting between the Balfour Beatty Construction and NCDOT, Uchiyama said.
Construction is expected to have minimal impact to traffic. Vehicles will continue to use the existing bridge while the new one is constructed, according to information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Once construction on the new bridge is completed, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge and the old bridge will be removed, Uchiyama said.
NCDOT had work done to the current Castle Bridge in 2019 to extend its life until a new parallel bridge could be built.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point, and I’m delighted that everybody will soon see construction,†Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said.
“We sought input from local municipalities, citizens, engineers and others on the bridge design with a focus on safety and mobility during and after construction.â€
