Plans are coming together to replace an 80-year-old bridge on North Carolina Highway 9 over the Green River in Polk County.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation invites the public to a meeting Tuesday regarding the proposal to replace the bridge. The meeting will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Coopers Gap Baptist Church, 730 Cooper Gap Road, Mill Spring.

The project will widen travel lanes to 12 feet with 8-foot shoulders on both sides of N.C. 9. Traffic will utilize the existing bridge while the new bridge is being built, so no detour is needed.

Although the existing concrete bridge remains safe, it has poor components and is deteriorating. With its narrow lanes, the bridge also no longer meets the demands of traffic. N.C. 9, just north of the bridge, averaged 3,400 vehicles per day in 2017. 

NCDOT officials invite the public to the meeting to review and comment on the proposed replacement. Maps and other information can be found on the NCDOT public meetings website, ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings. Comments may be submitted at the meeting, or over the phone, via mail or email until Dec. 11.

Those interested in learning more may contact Structures Unit Program Manager David Stutts at 919-707-6442 or dstutts@ncdot.gov or David Stutts, 1581 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699.  

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for people with disabilities who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher via email at magallagher@ncdot.gov or by phone at 919-707-6069 as early as possible, so that arrangements can be made. 

People who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.

-Submitted article