2010-APR -> Rocky Ford Road and Bridge Closure

On the evening of April 19th, DOT workers placed detour and warning signs to restrict Rocky Ford Road and the Bridge over Lynch Creek to local traffic only. We have been unable thus far to determine if the closure was because a construction contract to replace the bridge has been let, or simply for safety reasons and needed repairs.

In the photo shown you are looking west on Rocky Ford Road towards Bobbitt. Our entrance drive at 1973 Rocky Ford Road is just over the bridge and to the left.

It is best to drive to the farm coming from the west (Franklinton, US 1 Hwy, Kittrell, Bobbitt) rather than from the east (Louisburg, Ingleside, Rocky Ford).

We will post updates here as we have additional information.

We look forward to the completion of this construction and repair work. It is much needed, but most inconvenient.

UPDATE: 4/27/2010 – A DOT Contract for the construction of a new bridge is scheduled to be let today. The bid document states that construction must begin no sooner than May 18, 2010 and no later than June 7, 2010. The contract must be completed within 90 days or penalties will accrue. The bridge deck will be of cored, pre-stressed concrete slabs. For complete details, see the following website link and proposal document: http://www.ncdot.gov/download/business/letting/bridge/Franklin38prop.pdf.

UPDATE: 5/27/2010 – Construction will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Construction supervisor, Tim Byrd of Dellinger, Inc. has visited the site and emphasized that the bridge will be completed within 90 days.

UPDATE: 6/25/2010 – This photo of the bridge from our entranceway shows the bridge removed and the site prepared for the drilling of the four, new main piers that will begin next week.

The construction crew has been tremendous. Great care has been taken to protect the water quality of Lynch Creek from debris and construction sediment. Bridge completion is still targeted for early September.

UPDATE: 8/31/2010 – Bridge construction will be completed by mid-September with a formal bridge opening by DOT by month-end. The photo below shows the bridge deck in place – bridge approach slabs and guard railing about to be cast. Storm drainage, deck paving and miscellaneous cleanup remains to be done.

We are extremely pleased with the progress of this DOT project, and will feel even better when the bridge re-opens and local travel can return to normal.

UPDATE: 10/7/2010 – Bridge construction was completed on September 24, 2010 and final inspection, striping and signage removed and open for normal traffic on October 6, 2010. The completed bridge photo is shown below. Job well done!

April 19th, 2010, updated October 7, 2010

For More Information Contact:

LYNCH CREEK FARM
1973 Rocky Ford Road, Kittrell, NC 27544
Tel: 252-767-1167
Internet: bob@lynchcreek.com