Pigeon River Gorge bridge replacement means I 40 delays

Project could last through the spring

HARMON DEN, N.C. (AP) – State officials say a curvy stretch of Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge in North Carolina will become a little more circuitous and take more time to navigate as a bridge is replaced.

The N.C. Department of Transportation says in a news release that one lane will be closed in each direction approaching Exit 7 starting Saturday.

Crews are replacing the 56-year-old bridge on I-40 over Harmon Den Road and Cold Springs Creek in Haywood County.

The department says the new bridge will include two wildlife paths under the bridge to keep wildlife from dealing with traffic.