The current bridge also will be removed after a new, wider one is constructed adjacent to it on entirely new abutments. Traffic will be maintained on-site for emergency vehicles during construction. All other traffic will take Pearson Falls Road to U.S. 176 as a detour route. The project does not affect access to Pearson Falls.

In March, N.C., Transportation Secretary Gene Conti awarded a $919,120 contract for the bridge replacement to Palmetto Structures Co. Inc. of Spartanburg, S.C.&bsp; The state previously spent $140,000 on the project. &bsp;

Work was expected to begin for the project on April 15 with an estimated completion date of November 1. However, the project has apparently experienced some delays, and only began last week. Work is estimated to be complete around the end of the year.

The bridge replacement has been one of the projects in Polk County listed on the state&squo;s Transportation Improvement Plan.

The state has also listed on its Transportation Improvement Plan the replacement of a bridge on Pearsons Falls Road over a small branch of the Pacolet River. The state does not show funding available for that project until 2013.