NCDOT to close South Main Street in High Point for girder set

Contractors for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close South Main Street in both directions under the U.S. 29 bridge beginning Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., with the road scheduled to reopen by Feb. 10 at 6 a.m., to set new bridge girders. The department described the work as a time-limited, weather-permitting operation focused on the girder set needed for the bridge.

The department warned drivers to plan ahead, remain alert to construction crews and obey posted traffic signs. The advisory directs motorists to check the agency’s travel information portal and social channels for updates and provides a statewide assistance number for travelers: 1-877-DOT-4YOU (1-877-368-4968). The department also listed its DMV contact at 919-715-7000 and a mailing address at 1501 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1501 for further inquiries.

The NCDOT notice included headings for northbound and southbound detours but did not supply specific routing in the published advisory available to the public. That absence leaves local drivers without official, segment-by-segment detour directions in the department’s advisory; motorists should use alternate corridors with caution and monitor official updates before heading into the Market District area near U.S. 29.

The overnight girder-setting operation occurs against the backdrop of a separate, longer-term City of High Point corridor project along South Main Street in the Market District. City engineering director Trever Spencer described the broader work as an overhaul of utilities and the street right-of-way: “We’re converting the overhead utilities you see on the poles now to underground, into a new utility duct bank,” Spencer said. He added, “All of the water, sewer, and stormwater utilities will be removed and replaced. The right-of-way will be reconstructed, and there will be new sidewalks and curb-and-gutter as well.” That city-led project has included planned detours that shift traffic to Green Drive, Elm Street, Ward Avenue and Hamilton Street, and a construction pause is scheduled April 11–May 5, 2026 for the Spring High Point Furniture Market; work is set to continue after the pause through Oct. 2, 2026.

For businesses and shoppers, city officials have signaled that property access will remain possible despite intermittent closures. Spencer said drivers can still reach shops in the area during staged work.

What comes next: motorists should expect this overnight closure to be brief but potentially disruptive for travel in and around the Market District. Confirmed detour routes and any changes due to weather must come from NCDOT before travel; residents and commuters should call 1-877-DOT-4YOU or consult the department’s travel information channels for real-time updates and to plan alternate routes.