The bridge over the Nantahala River in the Nantahala Gorge will be torn down and replaced with a new one in the year 2010, but the Department of Transportation is already preparing the public for the construction.

With raft companies bussing up and down the Gorge all day long, hauling rafters to the put-ins and take-outs, traffic back-ups during bridge construction will be an unwelcome hassle. But the DOT plans to keep two lanes of traffic — one in each direction — open at all times. Traffic speed will be reduced, however, due to the construction zone.

The existing bridge is “nearing the end of its useful life” due to weathering a beating by the river that flows along its foundation, according to the DOT.

“This structure, although it has been punished by the elements of nature since 1924, has remained in fairly good condition,” said Hank Schwab with the DOT. “The scheduling of the replacement provides for construction of the new bridge before the existing structure has reached the end of its life expectancy and the road would need to be closed for safety reasons.”

The DOT will build a temporary bridge alongside the old one, then tear the old one down and build the new one in its place. The goal is to keep both lanes open throughout construction.

The new bridge will be two lanes, like the rest of the road. It will be longer and wider, however, to accommodate a more substantial foundation than the old one.

Unlike most bridges that are only viewed from the road, this particular bridge will be viewed by tens of thousands of people from below. All kayakers, canoers and rafters pass under the bridge on their trips down the Nantahala.

The DOT has a preliminary design that it will share at the workshop. Based on public comment, the design could change, according to Schwab.

“A significant amount of time is being spent to minimize any adverse impact to the natural or human environment at the project site,” Schwab said.

The bridge is located near the intersection of Hewitts Road. For more information, call 919.715.5513 e-mail hschwab@ncdot.gov.

— By Becky Johnson

Comment on the new bridge

The DOT will hold an informational workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Pavilion, on the backside of the river from the U.S. 19/74. See plans for the new bridge and offer comments.