GOLDSBORO — A half-mile stretch of West Grantham Street is set for major improvements after the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded an $8.8 million construction contract this week aimed at enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
A significant portion of the project involves replacing the bridge over the CSX railroad, originally built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1961. The bridge replacement will require a closure lasting approximately 18 months, though NCDOT officials say a specific timeline will be announced at a later date.
In addition to the bridge work, the project includes resurfacing and restriping West Grantham Street between the U.S. 13/70/117 interchange and North George Street. The roadway will be converted from four travel lanes to one through lane in each direction with a center turn lane, a design intended to improve traffic flow and reduce crash risks by providing safer left-turn opportunities at intersections.
Sidewalks, concrete curbs, and storm drainage improvements will be constructed on both sides of the roadway from the railroad bridge to North George Street. By reducing the number of travel lanes, NCDOT can add pedestrian infrastructure without impacting nearby homes or businesses.
Traffic studies show the road, which carries about 8,000 vehicles per day, no longer requires four lanes. The City of Goldsboro has approved the restriping plan and the addition of sidewalks.
The project will be completed by Blythe Construction Inc., which may begin work this spring. The Charlotte-based contractor has until summer 2028 to finish construction.
