North Carolina DOT addressed congestion issues while simultaneously preserving a little bit of history in the process. The NC 24/27 corridor runs through the scenic Uwharrie National Forest connecting central North Carolina to the growing Charlotte area. Traffic volumes required widening the road to four lanes but a historic concrete spandrel arch over Lake Tillery was too narrow to carry those new lanes. The original plan to replace the bridge did not meet stakeholder needs. After a feasibility study it was determined the bridge could be demolished down to the arches and rebuilt with a two lane superstructure. In addition, the parallel bridge built in 1978 required extensive repairs due to concrete damage. The end result is additional capacity over Lake Tillery to accommodate growth in the area, easing congestion for motorists while preserving one of the last surviving examples of concrete and open spandrel arch bridges in the state.
America's Transportation Awards 