The North Carolina Department of Transportation has selected Zachry Construction Corporation as prime contractor to replace the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 bridge over the Catawba River. Construction began in September 2026, and substantial completion is planned for April 2031.
The project, which also includes N.C. 7 at U.S. 74, will help strengthen a critical connection between Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.
Built for the Bad Days:
The existing bridge will be replaced with a larger six-lane structure.
It's designed to improve capacity and reliability, including when traffic diverts from I-85 during emergencies.
It carries Wilkinson Boulevard, a key regional corridor for residents, businesses and travelers.
So the new bridge isn't just about daily commutes. It's also being planned for the days when the interstate sends its overflow this way.
Untangling Catawba Street: At N.C. 7/Catawba Street, a reduced-conflict intersection will better accommodate traffic volumes and address recurring backups.
New multi-use paths will connect to Gaston College, Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, the ISWA Nature Preserve and proposed Belmont greenway connections.
Zachry's scope reaches well past the river. It includes grading, drainage, paving, signals, utility work, erosion control, traffic control and structures.
The bridge itself calls for:
Drilled piers and steel piles
Prestressed concrete girders and a reinforced concrete deck
Barrier rail, lighting, utility conduit, bridge coatings and architectural treatments
Plenty of Practice: Zachry says it has built more than 350 bridges over the past decade. Kevin Allen, vice president and Southeast regional manager, said complex bridge work "requires detailed planning, disciplined execution" along with technical skill.
The Catawba job joins Zachry's Haywood County Bridges in North Carolina and SCDOT U.S. 76 over the Wateree River in South Carolina.
The target for substantial completion is April 2031. Until then, Zachry has a river to cross.
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