The North Carolina Highway 86 overpass of Interstate 85 in Hillsborough is continuing its repairs this week, with a closure of the bridge lasting several more days.
Nearly one week after a fatal crash of a tractor trailer truck damaged the bridge, the North Carolina Department of Transportation shared an update on repairs. Following inspections of the overpass’ integrity and early work to repair part of a damaged concrete pillar, a contractor will now begin to address damaged beams caused by the truck’s impact and resulting fire.
Contractors’ work on the bridge, however, will cause the stretch of I-85 South underneath to be closed. Weather permitting, NCDOT will close the I-85 southbound lanes near Exit 165 from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday and again from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday. Additionally, any daytime work to continue repairs on the bridge’s pillar will keep the right lane of I-85 South being closed.
In a release, the state Department of Transportation said a detour using the NC 86 interchange will be established for motorists overnight Wednesday and Thursday.
Aftermath of the fatal tractor trailer crash on Interstate 85 South on September 14. (Photo via the Orange Rural Fire Department.)
Shortly after 2:20 a.m. on September 14, the driver of a tractor trailer truck traveling southbound wrecked the vehicle. During the crash, the truck flipped and caught fire by the NC 86 overpass, ultimately killing the driver. Emergency responders shut down Interstate 85 South for several hours to clean up debris. At the same time, the NC 86 bridge — which is between the Hampton Pointe shopping center and U.S. Business 70 in Hillsborough — was closed to investigate its structural integrity.
As of Tuesday, NCDOT officials said they project the NC 86 overpass to reopen late this week or early next week.
Photo via Google Maps.
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