06/18/2026
UPDATE from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (6-18-26): Bridge, Roundabout Work in Benson Remains on Schedule
The NC Department of Transportation announced Thursday construction on the NC 50 bridge and roundabout at I-95's Exit 79 has advanced rapidly since the 45-day closure began, keeping the project on track for a mid July reopening.
Since the bridge closed to traffic on May 28, contract crews have advanced several major components of the project, including:
- Removal of the old bridge railings and completion of the newly poured, taller concrete railings that will improve safety.
- Progress on pouring and setting the 14-foot-wide concrete sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.
- Completion of the roundabout’s concrete foundation, including the truck-mountable apron, the central island and the concrete curbs.
Crews have been able to maintain this pace by working extended 12-hour shifts, including weekends and select nighttime operations.
The roundabout is large. It features a 126-foot-wide central core, which includes the landscaped center island and the concrete truck apron to help oversized commercial vehicles navigate the circulate intersection safely.
Remaining Work
To complete the project and prepare the bridge and new roundabout for traffic, several key tasks are still ahead:
- The top layer of old concrete on the bridge driving deck must be milled away and resurfaced with polymer concrete, a durable, fast-curing material that provides a strong protective layer and extends the bridge deck’s service life.
- After the polymer concrete is placed, grooves will be cut into the bridge surface to enhance traction and help water drain more effectively, improving safety during wet conditions.
- Final paving and striping will be completed around the roundabout to establish the permanent traffic pattern and lane markings.
These remaining steps will take place over the coming weeks as NCDOT and the contractor work toward reopening the bridge and roundabout by July 12.
While the bridge is closed, interstate traffic can keep using Exit 79, but must turn away from the bridge. Orange detour signs and blue wayfinding signs to gas, lodging and restaurants are helping guide drivers around the restricted area.
These improvements are part of the I-95 widening and modernization project underway between Exits 71 and 81.
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▶️ To view the previous NCDOT update including detour information go here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GqWG3Xykb/
📲 This notification was also sent directly to the smart phones of those that have downloaded our town app — Benson NC Connect. More info here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15oiuHQBug/
