Sanford Contractors Begins Bridge Reconstruction in Yancey County

Sanford Contractors crews begin bridge reconstruction in Yancey County as part of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Sanford Contractors’ Bridge Division has mobilized in Yancey County to begin construction on three bridges that were destroyed when Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in September 2024.

Awarded to SCI in January 2025 by the NCDOT, these projects are now moving into construction, with crews beginning work in April 2026. These reconstruction projects represent an important step in restoring access for local residents and reconnecting key routes throughout the Burnsville community.

Sanford Contractors will replace three bridges:

Bridge 62: 50-foot, single-span structure utilizing cored slabs

Bridge 97: 170-foot, two-span structure utilizing box beams

Bridge 100: 65-foot, single-span structure utilizing cored slabs

Bridges 62 and 100 will be constructed in phases to help maintain access for nearby residents throughout construction. The original structures at both locations were washed away during the storm, and temporary railcar crossings were installed to provide interim access until permanent replacements can be built.

At Bridge 97, the previous structure was also destroyed, and the crossing has remained inaccessible since the storm. This location serves as a critical connection across the South Toe River, and restoring this crossing will provide an important benefit to the surrounding community.

Rebuilding after major storms takes coordination and strong partners. Sanford Contractors is proud to support these efforts by delivering structures that will serve Yancey County for years to come.