Posted By Jim on April 5, 2010

This rendering shows the new Castle Ford bridge which will replace the existing low water structure. Construction could begin as soon as March 29.

Construction signs will be sprouting soon along Railroad Grade Road in anticipation of the start of work to replace the Castle Ford Bridge at Todd Island Park.

Last month, the North Carolina Department of Transportation awarded a $1.5 million contract to Dane Construction of Mooresville to replace the existing low water bridge. The existing bridge structure, built in 1966, will remain in place and carry traffic until the new bridge is completed, slated for Dec. 31, 2011.

The project has been on the books for nearly 10 years and was made possible by the infusion of federal funding through the Obama Administration’s economic recovery package. The NC DOT held a series of community meetings to gather input on the new bridge’s design. Unlike traditional new bridges, the structure will feature an 8-ft-wide pedestrian walkway on the north side, stamped concrete abutments, rust-colored guardrails and bridge rails.

While DOT has rented a portion of the Todd Island Park parking lot for use during construction, the park will remain open to the public during construction. DOT has agreed to build a temporary driveway access into the parking lot.

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