One of the Charlotte region’s oldest major bridges is finally being replaced after carrying traffic across the Catawba River for 93 years.
Construction just broke ground on the brand new $78 million Wilkinson Boulevard bridge connecting Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.
The current 4-lane Sloan’s Ferry Bridge first opened in 1933 and carries U.S. 29/74 across Lake Wylie.
NCDOT plans to replace it with a six-lane bridge, providing three lanes in each direction. The wider crossing should eliminate a longstanding traffic bottleneck. The new bridge will also include 10-foot multiuse paths on both sides.
Those paths will help connect Gaston College, Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park and the nearby Catawba River nature preserve.
NCDOT will also raise the bridge’s midpoint, providing better clearance for boat traffic.
The project includes two scenic overlooks, decorative railings and lighting. Crews will also preserve the bridge’s World War I memorial plaque. The nearby intersection of Wilkinson Boulevard and Catawba Street will receive a major redesign.
NCDOT plans a reduced-conflict intersection aimed at improving backups during morning and afternoon rush hours.
The existing bridge will remain open while the new crossing is built.
Drivers should expect occasional nighttime lane closures along Wilkinson Boulevard. Daytime closures may also occur along NC 7 and Hazeline Avenue.
NCDOT originally expected construction on the bridge to begin much earlier. After years of delays, crews finally just started clearing the site.
The contract currently calls for the project to finish in late summer 2032.
