Major Bridge Replacement Closes Scalesville Road North of Greensboro

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced on Jan. 8 that Scalesville Road over the Haw River, just north of Greensboro, will close beginning at 6 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2026, for replacement of a 68-year-old bridge. The department said the closure is expected to remain in place through mid-June 2026, with the start date subject to weather conditions.

NCDOT awarded the roughly $1 million construction contract to APAC Atlantic Inc. of Greensboro. The replacement structure will be built to current standards, will be about 25 feet longer than the existing span, and will include 11-foot travel lanes. Those design changes are intended to bring the crossing into compliance with modern roadway dimensions and improve the durability and safety of the crossing.

Traffic impacts will be significant for residents and businesses that use Scalesville Road. During the closure, traffic will be detoured via Witty Road, U.S. 158 and Church Street Extension. Drivers are asked to allow extra travel time and to be mindful of construction crews working in the area. The detour routing is likely to increase traffic volumes on the alternate streets, potentially lengthening peak travel times for commuters and commercial vehicles.

The project highlights persistent infrastructure concerns in Guilford County, where aging bridges and roadways require periodic replacement or major rehabilitation. A mid-June completion target implies roughly five months of sustained roadwork, with potential for delays if winter weather interferes with scheduled operations. The contract award to a local firm means some of the project dollars will circulate in the local economy, while the multi-month closure raises questions about coordination with emergency services and delivery routes during the work period.

For residents, the immediate practical effects are clear: plan alternate routes, expect longer commutes on detour corridors, and exercise caution near work zones. The replacement also represents a longer-term benefit by bringing the bridge up to current standards and improving safety and reliability for drivers and pedestrians who use the crossing.

NCDOT has posted project details and updates online; road users should consult the department for the latest scheduling and detour information, and allow extra travel time while crews complete the work.