State Route 43 Bridge Replacement Over Little River

The proposed project consists of the relocation of SR 79 along CR 278/Old Petersburg Road beginning at SR 43 and ending at the point where CR 278 joins the current alignment of SR 79. The portion of SR 79 between the point where CR 278 joins the current alignment of SR 79 and ending at State Route 43 will be removed from the State Route System. The alignment would require the reconstruction of the route to meet 45 mph design speed and the relocation of the intersection of CR 278 and SR 79. CR 278/New Petersburg Road would be shifted approximately 370 feet south of its existing location to form a 78.5-degree angle with existing SR 79. The project is located approximately 0.6 mile northeast of the City of Lincolnton and is 1.69 miles in length. The 45 mph speed design will lessen impacts to homes, reduce right-of-way (R/W) and improve safety along the existing residential area. There will be additional R/W required from SR 79 that varies in width from 0 feet to 20 feet. The traffic along SR 79 is comprised of lightweight vehicles, tractor-trailers, school buses and emergency vehicles. The posted speed along this portion of SR 79 is 55 mph. CR 278/Petersburg Road serves as a commuter route for local traffic to access SR 43 and SR 79. The existing roadway is comprised of one 10-ft. travel lane in each direction with 2-ft. to 4-ft. rural shoulders each side. The horizontal alignment meanders with vertical grades of 1% - 7%. The land use along this route is a mixture of residential developments, industrial developments, churches and planted pines and hardwood timber outcroppings. The existing R/W along CR 278 is 80 feet (40 feet each side of the centerline). There will be additional R/W required from CR 278 that varies in width from 0 feet to 20 feet with additional widths out to 90 feet required around drainage structures. The traffic along CR 278 is comprised of lightweight vehicles, school buses and emergency vehicles. The posted speed along this portion of CR 278 is not posted but will be posted at 45 mph with this project. SR 43 is classified as a Minor Arterial and serves as a main roadway from the City of Lincolnton to the Georgia – South Carolina State Line. The existing roadway is comprised of one 12-ft. travel lane in each direction with 6-ft. rural shoulders each side. A small triangular shaped area of R/W will be required in the northwest quadrant of the intersection with CR 278. The traffic along SR 43 is comprised of lightweight vehicles, tractor-trailers, school buses and emergency vehicles. The posted speed along this portion of SR 43 is 55 mph. Recent changes to the project include deleting Parcel 5 to avoid impact to a potential cemetery and adding permanent easement to drain two ponds.