File:Aerial Photo Shows Project's Progress.jpg

English: This aerial photo taken in February shows that the temporary work bridge, which will serve as the platform crews will use to build the new I-85 bridges in Davidson and Rowan counties, has reached the Yadkin River. Construction started on the temporary bridge in November 2010, with final completion expected in spring 2011.

Crews started constructing the bridge on the south side of the river and are building one span at a time until they reach the other side of the river. They rely on four 250-ton cranes to do the heavy lifting, with a fifth on the way to assist with future drilling. So far, crews have built 29 of 130 sections of the temporary bridge.

The photo also shows the vast clearing work that has taken place since October 2010. Clearing work on the north side of the river is 75 percent complete; clearing work on the south side of the river is complete. Crews have effectively moved 65,000 cubic yards of dirt from the site. That is enough dirt to cover a football field 10 feet deep or fill 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Flatiron-Lane has shut down earthwork operations due to winter weather, but they will resume in March. The work is necessary to prepare for the interstate realignment and widening work.