Zachry Construction Selected for North Carolina Bridge Project

The state transportation department tapped the firm to replace the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 bridge over the Catawba River.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Construction

A large concrete construction girder resting on metal supports near a river, representing infrastructure development in North Carolina. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to Zachry Construction Corporation to replace the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 bridge over the Catawba River. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation has named Zachry Construction Corporation as the prime contractor for a major bridge replacement project over the Catawba River. This infrastructure initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and traffic capacity between Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

Why it matters

The project serves as a vital effort to enhance regional mobility and provide necessary emergency diversion capacity for Interstate 85. By upgrading this transit link, the state addresses growing traffic demands between two major counties.

The new bridge structure will feature six lanes to support regional transit needs. The lead contractor has a proven track record, having completed over 350 bridge projects within the last decade.

The players

North Carolina Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure.

Zachry Construction Corporation

This company is a subsidiary of Zachry Corporation and specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects including bridges and industrial facilities.

The details

The project scope includes comprehensive construction elements such as grading, drainage, paving, and utility work, alongside specialized designs like drilled piers and prestressed concrete girders. It focuses on the bridge over the Catawba River and the intersection at N.C. 7 and U.S. 74.

Construction on the project began in September 2026.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the selection on October 6, 2026.
Substantial completion of the project is planned for April 2031.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of infrastructure investment aimed at addressing bottleneck relief in high-growth corridors. It positions the contractor as a key participant in the competitive landscape of major state-level transportation development.

Commuters traveling between Gaston and Mecklenburg counties should anticipate long-term construction activity through 2031. This project will eventually provide increased capacity and improved traffic flow at the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 river crossing.

The takeaway

Large-scale bridge replacements are multi-year endeavors that require significant patience from local motorists. Drivers should stay alert for traffic pattern changes in the Catawba River area as the construction progresses over the next five years.