Last Updated on April 30, 2026 5:51 pm
BOONE – An N.C. Department of Transportation contractor will begin replacing a Watauga County bridge next week.
Crews from James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Company Inc., of Jefferson, will begin replacing the bridge on Bairds Creek Road over Upper Laurel Fork Creek on Monday.
Bairds Creek Road will close near Laurel Fork Road for approximately six months while crews remove the existing structure and build the new bridge in its place.
A signed detour will guide drivers around the closure using Laurel Fork Road, Liberty Hill Road and Arnett Hollow Road.
Hurricane Helene damaged the existing structure. The new bridge will offer wider lanes with concrete approach slabs, improving resiliency to future storms.
Drivers should allow additional time for travel, avoid distracted driving and obey all posted traffic signs while traveling in the area.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
