ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The lead designer for the Interstate 26 Connector project plans to begin geotechnical drilling operations in the French Broad River next week.
This work was originally intended to happen in September. However, it was put on hold because of Tropical Storm Helene. Engineers said it is now safe to proceed, and the work will start on Monday, March 17, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said in a news release.
Crews from RK&K/S&ME will place two mobile drill platforms in the French Broad River between the Bowen bridges and Pearson Road bridges. Each 9-foot-wide platform will remain in the water for about three months and be equipped with safety equipment to alert river users, the NCDOT said.
The drill platforms will be in the river during the day and then moved, whenever possible, to the riverbank during the night. When parked on the riverbank, rigs will be secured to heavy equipment with cables. All equipment left in the water overnight or along the riverbank will be equipped with marine safety lights, the NCDOT said.
Posters and warning signs will be placed at known access points around the river alerting river users of the work. There will also be buoys and lights in the water alerting boaters, officials said.
The drilling operations are part of a design phase for the I-26 Connector project. This preliminary work in the river is required to complete the design of the bridge.
The drilling operations will determine the condition and elevation of the rock around the proposed bridge foundations so the design work for the structure can progress, the NCDOT said. The team will drill a hole about six to eight inches in diameter that will extend about 50 feet below the stream bed.
The NCDOT will work closely with RK&K to alert the public and river users of any unexpected changes, delays or environmental impacts once the work begins.