Contractors working for the City of Lenoir will make repairs to the Countryside Drive Bridge next week. Crews will work nights from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Tuesday evening, August 1. The repairs should be finished by Friday, August 4, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen issues. The U.S. 321 South on-ramp at Hibriten Drive and the right-hand, southbound lane from the on-ramp to the Countryside Drive bridge will be closed in the evenings as repairs are made.

Drivers who normally use the on-ramp from Hibriten Drive to US 321 South can detour north via Norwood Street and McLean Drive or south via Norwood Street and Southwest Boulevard to access U.S. 321 South. Drivers should be alert and cautious while driving through the work zone.

Last month, inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (N.C.D.O.T.) notified the city of some damage to the bridge. According to the N.C.D.O.T., a large vehicle struck the bridge, knocked off some concrete, and caused some other cracks in the bridge. No one reported the accident, which has been ruled a hit & run.

The bridge is structurally sound and safe to cross. The repairs will prevent any further degradation of the damaged concrete.

Countryside Drive is a city-owned street; therefore, the city is responsible for making the repairs. The repairs are estimated at $65,000.