BOONE, N.C. (WHKY) – The N.C. Department of Transportation this week will shift traffic to the first half of a new bridge on N.C. 105 over the Watauga River. 

On Monday (August 24) drivers may see periodic delays as final paving operations are finished at the N.C. 105 and Broadstone Road intersection. After 7 p.m., crews will begin shifting traffic to the first half of the new bridge, weather permitting. 

Active construction will continue throughout the night as crews adjust traffic signals and install pavement markings, concrete barriers and other traffic control measures to assist with the shift. 

Once traffic is shifted to the first half of the new bridge, crews will remove the existing bridge to build the rest of the new bridge in its place. Motorists should allow additional travel time, avoid distracted driving and obey posted signs and flaggers. 

Wright Brothers Construction began construction on the $48.7 million project in fall 2022. All construction is anticipated to finish in late 2027.

[Photo courtesy of Facebook]