University Drive bridge to be replaced

The city of Winston-Salem will receive more than $633,000 to replace the bridge that spans US 52 at University Parkway.

The city’s project represents one of 34 highway and bridge improvement projects across the state being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 34 projects total more than $107 million, said Gov. Beverly Perdue in a Jan. 4 statement.

Smith-Rowe Inc. of Mount Airy was awarded the $633,137 contract. Work could begin as early as Feb. 1, with a completion date set for Oct. 1. Built more than 50 years ago, the bridge was deemed structurally deficient by the NC Department of Transportation.

The new construction means University Parkway will be completely closed for two months this summer. After Aug. 20, partial lane closures will allow construction to continue. Detours will be set up to accommodate traffic between Wake Forest University, the Winston-Salem Entertainment Sports Complex and the downtown area, according to a NCDOT press release. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 new jobs. Every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact, according to the press release.