Vicinity and Study Area Map:

Project Overview:

The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace the bridge on Germanton Road (N.C. 8) over U.S. 52 in the City of Winston-Salem, in Forsyth County. The existing bridge was built in 1962 and carries approximately 13,600 vehicles per day.

The purpose of the project is to replace the structurally deficient bridge. While being maintained for safety, the Germanton Road bridge over U.S. 52 is reaching the end of its functional life and is classified as structurally deficient.

Structurally Deficient does not mean that the bridge is unsafe. A bridge is “Structurally Deficient” if it is in relatively poor condition or has insufficient load-carrying capacity. The insufficient load capacity could be due to the original design or to deterioration.

The project includes:

• Replacing the existing structure with a new bridge to the west that will include:
  • ​​two, 12-foot travel lanes
  • 6-foot median
  • 5 to 7-foot paved shoulders
  • 5.5-foot sidewalk to the east.
• A single-lane roundabout just south of the bridge at the U.S. 52 Southbound on and off ramps is also proposed to improve traffic flow and level of service in the project corridor.
• Pedestrian/bicyclist access will be provided to the east through the roundabout, connecting to the proposed sidewalk and shoulder on the replacement bridge.

​Traffic in the corridor will be maintained during construction of the project.

Project Highlights:

Several alternatives were considered during initial evaluation of the project, including:

No Build (Do Nothing)– The No-Build Alternative would not eliminate the structural deficiencies of the existing bridge, and thus is not a viable option.

Build Alternatives – The following Alternatives were considered:

• Rehabilitation - The existing bridge was constructed in 1962. Although some temporary repairs have been made previously, the bridge has exceeded its useful life and needs replacement. Rehabilitation is not a reasonable alternative.
• Maintain Existing Alignment/Offsite Detour – Replacing the existing bridge on existing alignment 
  • ​Use of an approximate 5.5-mile off-site detour utilizing Patterson Avenue, Shattalon Drive, University Parkway, Indiana Avenue, and N. Cherry Street was evaluated
  • In addition to the long detour route, this alignment would result in impacts to Leak Fork (stream) east of the bridge due to the needed approximate 5-foot grade raise for the structure
• Offset Alignment to the West – Replacing bridge on new alignment to the west of the existing bridge
  • This alignment avoids impacts to Leak Fork to the east
  • Allows the bridge to be constructed in phases
  • Eliminates the need for an off-site detour
• Offset Alignment to the East – Replacing bridge on new alignment to the east of the existing bridge
  • Would result in additional impacts to Leak Fork to the east 
  • May still require N.C. 8 closure and use of the 5.5-mile off-site detour

Based on evaluation of the above alternatives, Offset Alignment to the West has been identified as the Preferred Alternative, as it allows the existing bridge to remain open to traffic during construction, minimizes impacts to Leak Fork, and avoids a nearby transmission tower and the need for an off-site detour.  Following the functional design phase, a single-lane roundabout at the U.S. 52 Southbound on and off ramps was added to the project to improve traffic flow.

Existing Bridge

Project Map:

Typical Sections

Germaton Road Bridge

(Facing North toward Patterson Avenue)

Germanton Road at U.S. 52 Northbound on Ramp

(Facing south toward the bridge)

Project Funding:                                           

* Estimated costs are subject to change. 

Project Timeline:

* The project timeline dates are subject to change.

Project Comments

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.  

All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.

To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

please submit before January 16, 2025.

The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:

Email: germanton-road-bridge@publicinput.com

Phone Number:  984-205-6615    enter project code 10895 to leave a message.

Project Contact Information:

Samira Jasim, PE

 Project Management Unit - Deputy Project Manager

1582 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-1582

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS 

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.  

     
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout      Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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