$6.8M Contract Given for New Bridge To Replace 50-Year-Old Crossing in Southwest Mecklenburg County by 2027

State officials awarded a $6.8 million contract to replace an aging bridge on Shopton Road. The structure will span Coffey Creek in southwest Mecklenburg County, according to WCNC.com.

Charlotte-based Blythe Development, LLC won the bid. Construction starts January 5, 2026. The project will shut down Shopton Road until mid-2027, when crews finish the work.

At 135 feet, the new structure will stretch wider than its predecessor. Three 11-foot lanes will carry traffic, and new walkways on each side will give pedestrians safe passage.

Time has taken its toll on the existing two-lane crossing, built five decades ago. This upgrade meets the needs of a fast-growing southwest Mecklenburg, where traffic swells each year.

While crews work, cars must wind through a lengthy bypass. The path snakes from Shopton Road to Steele Creek Road/N.C. 160, then loops onto Interstate 485. Drivers continue to South Tryon Street before returning to Shopton Road.

Officials picked the start date carefully. Beginning after the winter holidays cuts down on disruption. Plus, spring and summer bring ideal building conditions.

The third lane marks a major step forward. Traffic will flow more smoothly once cars have extra space to cross.

Local commuters should brace for the change in early 2026. The detour adds significant distance to typical routes.

This bridge fits into a bigger push to update old structures across the county. Modern safety rules shaped the design, from wider lanes to accessible paths.

Check the NC Department of Transportation site for future updates on building progress and detour routes.