I-5719C (CMGC)/U-5800 Design-Build Bridge Package Preparation, NCDOT Division 12, Gaston County, NC

In 2023, KCA was engaged by NCDOT’s Structure’s Management Unit (SMU) and the Alternative Delivery Unit to provide preservation plans for bridge 350143 in Gaston County, NC over the South Fork Catawba River prior to D-B letting, which is to be widened in the future design-build project I-5719/U-5800. The scope of work included deck and rail repairs, replacement of joints, painting structural steel, bearing replacement, (including rocker bearing replacements) and adding steel beams to one span of the existing structure. The design team had to prepare designs and details that would be incorporated by the selected D-B team while accounting for future bridge widening. As a part of the final deliverables, we also provided the Alternative Delivery Unit with preservation language to be adopted into the final, industry-draft design-build RFP.

Our CE&I team is currently priming and managing the construction of this CMGC project. This contract includes providing comprehensive CEI Services for two projects in Division 12: I-5719B/U-5800 and I-5719C.

I-5719B/U-5800: This project consists of improvements to approximately four miles of I-85 in Gaston County from NC 7 (Exit 23) to just east of NC 273 (Exit 27). The project aims to mitigate traffic congestion and improve safety by increasing the capacity throughout this heavily trafficked section of I-85 that services both regional traffic and the rapidly growing areas of Gaston County. The project will be delivered using the D-B model. Work will generally consist of widening I-85 from three lanes to four lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions, interchange improvements at three locations (Exits 23, 26, and 27), the reconstruction/rehabilitation of six bridges, improvements to the NC 7 (Main Street) and US 29/74 (Wilkinson Blvd.) intersection (U-5800), upgrades/relocations of stormwater management facilities throughout the corridor, installation of ITS infrastructure throughout the project, install four new traffic signals and upgrade 11 existing signals, lighting installation, any required noise abatement infrastructure, all required utility relocations, and the reconstruction of approximately 4,000 LF of railroad spur line for the P&N Railway.

 I-5719C: This project will be delivered using the CM/CG model and will include reconstructing three railroad bridges and improvements to SR 2213 in Gaston County. The following bridges will be reconstructed under this contract: the Piedmont Northern Railway bridge located just west of Exit 19 (I-85.), the Norfolk Southern bridge located just east of Exit 19 (I-85), the Norfolk Southern bridge located just east of Exit 22 (I-85), and the roadway bridge carrying SR 2213 (Groves St.) over I-85 just east of Exit 22. Work will also include reconstruction of the Gastonia rail yard and all associated railway and roadway improvements. This project aims to reconfigure the bridges that carry the railroads and SR 2213 over I-85 in order to accommodate future widening projects (I-5719A).