Issues
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Yadkin River Bridge One of my top transportation priorities is replacement of the Yadkin River Bridge, which spans I-85 between Davidson and Rowan counties. The bridge is classified as "structurally deficient and functionally obsolete." The communities affected have long sought assistance in replacing the structure due to its impact on highway congestion and the economy of the area. On July 30, 2009, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) applied to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a discretionary grant program authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to replace the bridge. Specifically, the state sought $300 million (the maximum permissible) to replace the bridge, restructure the approaches on I-85, and alter the rail track that runs in conjunction with the bridge. The North Carolina delegation, with my support, sent a letter to DOT in support of NCDOT’s application. On February 17, 2010, DOT announced NC’s application was awarded $10 million that can be used to support additional credit assistance. Unfortunately, this amount is insufficient and means that we must continue to find alternative funding and highlight the urgent need to repair this bridge. As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I will continue to work to identify resources and advocate policies that will assist the efforts of NCDOT and local stakeholders to replace the Yadkin River Bridge. |