Interactive Study Area Map:

Project Overview

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to replace the Bridges on U.S. 29/70 over Winston-Salem Southbound (WSSB) Railroad within the City of Lexington, in Davidson County.  The existing bridges were built in 1950 and carry approximately 21,700 vehicles per day. There are both determined eligible and National Register (NR)-listed resources in the study area. The City of Lexington’s Childers Park is located northwest of the bridges to be replaced.

The project includes replacing the existing structures with new bridges that are approximately 77 feet longer and with an approximately 4-foot raise in grade to meet railroad requirements.

The purpose of the project is to replace the structurally deficient bridges. While being maintained for safety, the U.S. 29/70 bridges over WSSB Railroad are reaching the end of their useful life and are classified as structurally deficient.

Structurally Deficient does not mean that the bridges are unsafe. A bridge is “Structurally Deficient” if it is in relatively poor condition or has insufficient load-carrying capacity. The insufficient load capacity could be due to the original design or to deterioration.

Project Highlights

Several alternatives were considered during initial evaluation of the project, including:

• No Build - The No-build Alternative would not eliminate the structural deficiencies of the existing bridges and would ultimately result in closing this segment of U.S. 29/70; thus, this is not a viable option.

• Build Alternatives – The following Build Alternatives were considered:

1. Rehabilitation - The bridges were constructed in 1950. While these structures currently remain safe for travel with continued bridge maintenance activities, they are reaching the end of their useful life. With sufficiency ratings of 44.8 and 52.6, these structures have been identified as high priority bridge replacements and further rehabilitation alternatives are not considered prudent.
2. On-site Detour utilizing Median Crossovers - An on-site detour utilizing median crossovers and a temporary reduction in travel lanes from two to one in each direction during construction would allow for both structures to be replaced on their existing alignment, minimizing impacts, and avoiding ROW acquisition.
3. Off-site Detour - An off-site detour would not be feasible due to the high traffic volumes, including truck traffic, served by the U.S. 29/70 facility.

Based on evaluation of the above alternatives, On-site Detour utilizing Median Crossovers has been identified as the Preferred Alternative, as it allows the existing bridge to remain open to traffic during construction and minimizes impacts to the nearby Childers Park and historic districts. A design map for the Preferred Alternative and renderings of the proposed bridge and roadway typical sections are provided.

No additional right-of-way acquisition is required for the proposed bridge replacements. Use of reinforced soil slopes on the project allow for avoidance of impacts to the adjacent unnamed tributary to Michael Branch, as well as minimization of impacts to Childers Park. Tree re-planting at the toe of slope between areas to be cleared and residential parcels east of the bridges, minimizes potential viewshed impacts.

Project Map and Typical Sections

To view or download project map click here or on the map below

Road Typical Section of U.S. 29/70 Bridges over Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad

BRIDGE TYPICAL SECTION
U.S. 29/70 Bridges
over Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad

Project Funding:

*Costs are subject to change. 

Project Timeline:

*Future dates subject to change

Project Comments

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.  

All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.

To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

please submit before June 3, 2025

The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:

Email: us29-70-wssr@publicinput.com

Phone Number:  984-205-6615    enter project code 11503

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Ryan Newcomb, PE

Division Program Engineer

NCDOT Division Highway 9

375 Silas Creek Parkway

Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Title VI Feedback

To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?

If so, please click here https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS 

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.  

     
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout      Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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