North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) contract crews were scheduled to kick off a $9 million structure preservation project on both sides of Interstate 40 near Statesville Monday night (April 3), weather permitting. The project was awarded in January to Mountain Creek Contractors Inc. out of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

One lane will be closed intermittently between mile markers 130-148 while crews perform preservation work to 18 structures within the project limits between Hickory and Statesville. Lane closures will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. continuing through this fall.

Some of the work will include clearing debris from shoulders, slopes, and substructures, deck repairs, joint repairs, cleaning and painting existing steel, applying a new epoxy overlay to improve surface ridership for drivers, and milling & resurfacing of bridge approaches

Work will be paused for major holidays and inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution and remain alert approaching work zones. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.