The new Slash Creek Bridge in Hatteras Village is on track to open in May 2025, before the summer visitor season reaches its peak, according to an update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
“The Slash Creek Bridge project is still on schedule for completion by May 22, 2025,” said Tim Hass, Communications Officer for NCDOT Division One. “Production was slower than expected last month due to the cold temperatures in our area, but we do anticipate making that time up now that the weather has settled.”
Built in 1956, the original 86-foot-long bridge in the heart of the village was determined structurally deficient in an NCDOT inspection report. Structurally deficient bridges are considered safe for the time being, but have components in poor condition due to deterioration, and require significant maintenance or a full replacement to remain in service.
The project was originally included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in 2013, and the $4.5 million endeavor was partially funded for preliminary engineering in 2015.
Hatteras Islanders got their first look at the proposed design for the new bridge at a public meeting in November 2022. The proposed replacement bridge will include two 15-foot lanes, as well as five-foot sidewalks on each side.
The contract, awarded to Smith-Rowe LLC of Mount Airy, N.C., called for construction to start no sooner than Sept. 9, 2024, and end no later than May 22, 2025.
“The demolition of the existing structure is about 75% complete, with only two bents remaining on the northeast side,” said Hass. “These bents and pile will be removed once the crane is repositioned on the northeast side of the bridge.”
The 24-inch composite concrete pile has been driven, and the concrete was placed on January 13, which completed work on the interior bent.
The contractor has set the pile template and is expected to have the 12-inch concrete pile at End Bent 1 driven by Friday, and the concrete poured next week.
Once this stage is complete, the contractor will have the cored slabs delivered and set into place for span A of the new structure. The crane will then be moved to the northeast side of the bridge to complete End Bent 2, and to set slabs for span B.
“Smith-Rowe’s subcontractors will then mobilize and begin placing the new pipe and drainage structures in preparation for tying the roadway to the new structure,” said Hass.
A detour on Eagle Pass Road will remain in place until the new bridge is open, however, visitors can still access Hatteras Village attractions and businesses with just a 1-2 minute deviation from the Eagle Pass Road detour route.
For more information on the Slash Creek Bridge project, click here.
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