Local

NCDOT closes Kannapolis bridge for emergency repairs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation closed the bridge Monday on Brantley Road over Lake Fisher in Kannapolis for emergency repairs. A routine inspection of the structure revealed severe decay in one of the bridge's timber piles along with rust and corrosion in sections of the bridge's steel girders.
 
NCDOT staff determined these issues required immediate attention and closed the bridge for the public's safety, according to an NCDOT news release.

"I've lived here all my life and traveled it all my life. I know it needed a lot of work," said Don Rayfield, Jr, Kannapolis resident.
 
Crews are gathering materials and equipment to start repairs Wednesday.
 
A floating barge will be used as a work platform to drive piles through the bridge deck and install a cross-cap, providing support while multiple beams are cut out and replaced.
 
During the closure, a detour will be posted from Brantley Road to China Grove Road to Lane Street to Old Salisbury-Concord Road back to Brantley Road. Repairs are expected to continue through Aug. 8.
 
For more information, please contact the bridge maintenance engineer at 704-983-4400.