NC to spend $626,000 to fix crumbling interstate

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported a Transportation Department engineer warned in 2003 that the 5 inch pavement would be too thin. But Transportation Department officials estimated the road would last 15 years.

The Trucker News Services

9/24/2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — Transportation Department officials plan to spend $626,000 on a temporary repair for crumbling pavement on Interstate 795 between Wilson and Goldsboro.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports the asphalt began cracking under light traffic just months after the road opened in 2006.

Highway officials have not said what is causing the problem on the state's newest interstate highway. They hope to come up with an analysis and cost of a long-term fix by the end of the year.

The newspaper reported a Transportation Department engineer in Wilson warned in 2003 that the 5 inch pavement would be too thin. But Transportation Department officials estimated the road would last 15 years.

Engineer Wendi Johnson said short-term repairs are designed to avoid potholes this winter.