I-0911A, I-40 over the Yadkin River Bridge Design-Build

RK&K served as the Lead Designer for the reconstruction and urban widening of 3.8-miles of I-40 West of NC 801 in Davie County to East of SR 1101 in Forsyth County. This section of I-40 was widened from a four-lane divided, to a six-lane facility with a minimum 26-foot median that continued to meet the 70-mph freeway design speed.

The project also included the design and construction of dual 1,104-foot-long, eight-span, bridges over the Yadkin River, as well as a pedestrian bridge over I-40. The bridge was constructed in three stages to accommodate three 12-foot travel lanes with two 10-foot shoulders. This minimized traffic impacts and combined the east and west bound bridges into one structure. The existing Bert’s Way Bridge within the Town of Bermuda Run was reconstructed as a pedestrian bridge that crossed over the newly rehabilitated six-lane I-40. RK&K worked closely with the Town ensure the look of the new bridge was appropriate for the historic area.

The project included many environmental and community impacts that were considered while designing the roadway improvements. The Team designed the Yadkin River Bridge to reduce impacts to the riverbanks and 100-year storm elevation, while keeping the river open for recreational use during construction. RK&K also shifted the alignment of the roadway, which eliminated impacts to the Twin City Youth Soccer Association Property and the Win-Mock Farm Complex, which is a historic property on the south side of I-40 just west of the Yadkin River.

Careful design measures were also implemented for traffic maintenance during project construction, as this section of I-40 regularly maintains high traffic volumes. Thorough coordination of MOT, roadway, structures, and hydraulics ensured that the project was completed safely with optimal constructability. The project was completed with minimal lane and ramp closures, keeping traffic moving during peak travel times.