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Bettesworth Construction
Belmont

Construction Underway on New U.S. 29/U.S. 74 Bridge Near Belmont

Zachry reports construction began in September 2026 on a six-lane replacement bridge near Belmont, with substantial completion forecast for April 2031.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read

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Construction on the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 bridge replacement over the Catawba River near Belmont reportedly began in September 2026. Zachry Construction Corporation, the selected prime contractor, forecasts substantial completion in April 2031. The work will replace the existing crossing with a six-lane bridge and includes improvements at NC 7 and Catawba Street.

What the Belmont bridge project includes

The project replaces the existing bridge carrying U.S. 29/U.S. 74 across the South Fork of the Catawba River. The new structure is planned as a larger, six-lane crossing. Zachry’s announced construction scope includes grading, drainage, paving, signals, utility work, erosion control, traffic control and structures.

The bridge is expected to use drilled piers, steel piles, prestressed concrete girders and a reinforced concrete deck, along with barrier rail, lighting, utility conduit, bridge coatings and architectural treatments. These are elements described in the contractor’s project announcement, not a final construction drawing set.

Separate work at NC 7 and Catawba Street

The broader project also includes changes to the NC 7/Catawba Street intersection. The announcement describes a reduced-conflict intersection intended to accommodate traffic volumes and address recurring backups. It does not provide final intersection plans or a detailed construction sequence.

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Planned multi-use paths

Project plans described by Zachry include multi-use paths intended to connect Gaston College, Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, the ISWA Nature Preserve and proposed Belmont greenway connections. The announcement does not specify the final path alignment or when any segment will open.

Reported schedule and NCDOT planning context

In an October 6, 2026 announcement, Zachry said NCDOT selected the company as prime contractor, construction began in September 2026, and substantial completion is planned for April 2031. These are contractor-reported dates and forecast information.

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NCDOT’s January 2026 Current STIP lists project U-6146 on U.S. 29/U.S. 74 from Market Street to SR 2015 (Alberta Avenue). It describes widening to six lanes and replacing bridge 350082 over the South Fork of the Catawba River, with construction projected for 2026, right-of-way in progress and $60.78 million in total funds needed. That January planning snapshot predates Zachry’s reported September start; its funding figure is not a current contract award amount.

What is known about traffic impacts

The contractor says the replacement is intended to improve capacity and reliability, including when traffic diverts from I-85 during emergencies. The project overview does not establish current lane closures, detours, crossing restrictions or daily traffic impacts. Check current official traffic notices before traveling; neither a general project description nor an older planning document can confirm today’s road conditions.

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Nearby projects have different project numbers

Two nearby or related Belmont projects should not be confused with the bridge replacement. NCDOT’s letting page records I-5719B and U-5800 as awarded June 26, 2025. I-5719B concerns I-85 widening from NC 7/Main Street at Exit 23 to east of NC 273/Beatty Drive at Exit 27. U-5800 covers intersection improvements at NC 7 and U.S. 29/74 in Belmont. The bridge replacement is identified in the January 2026 STIP as U-6146.

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What the contractor says about construction

Kevin Allen, Zachry Construction Corporation’s vice president and Southeast regional manager, said: “Complex bridge work demands more than technical capability. It requires detailed planning, disciplined execution, and a clear understanding of how each phase affects the broader project and traffic flow throughout the surrounding community.” The statement reflects the contractor’s perspective.

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Zachry also reported that it had constructed more than 350 bridges during the prior decade. That is a company-reported figure, not a count specific to the Belmont project.

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