The road widening involving U.S. 64 in Asheboro will mean ongoing construction for several years.
ASHEBORO — Work on widening of the bypass from U.S. 64 to N.C. 49 in Asheboro has started and construction on the project is expected to last for several years.
“It’s a lot of work,” said Cary Fine, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s resident engineer for Randolph County.
This project will widen U.S. 64 to multi-lanes, from the Asheboro bypass to east of interchange at N.C. 49, replace the low clearance bridge on N.C. 49 that goes over U.S. 64, and modify ramps at interchange for I-73 / I-74 and U.S. 220 in Randolph County.
It’s a project that involves a contract bid of approximately $59 million that was awarded to Conti Civil, a New Jersey-based company.
The project will have numerous phases. Eventually, this should improve traffic flow from Dixie Drive, Fine said.
There also will be the elimination of some of the loops involving the ramps. There have been accidents associated with those through the years.
Information from Conti Civil includes some details. Those involve expanded embankments, grading, paving, concrete flatwork and the installation of new drainage.
The project also will bring about new traffic signals, signage and highway lighting.
Fine said work began a couple of months ago.
“It’s sort of getting off the ground,” he said. “We’re early on. When there’s warmer weather in the coming months, it will really start progressing.”
So far, work has consisted primarily of clearing and designating utility relocations. Eventually, there will be several temporary traffic pattern alterations, Fine said.
Those traffic patterns will allow for grading, culvert construction and drainage installation, he said.
Drivers are encouraged to travel with caution in this area and to be on the alert for various changes in the traffic flow during the construction.
A public hearing for this project was held in August 2018. The anticipated completion date is in the summer of 2028.
