US-74 SHELBY BYPASS — NC-226 TO NC-150

Project Scope

As prime contractor for the first three segments of the US 74 Shelby Bypass, E.S. Wagner helped deliver a major NCDOT corridor project that spanned more than 12 years and endured significant challenges, including utility relocation delays, record rainfall events, and pandemic-related labor and supply disruptions. Through close coordination with NCDOT and innovative construction planning, ESW maintained progress despite factors beyond either party’s control. Key innovations included four temporary bridges, one of which carried live traffic, allowing bridge construction and mass earthmoving operations to proceed safely and efficiently. The project involved nearly 6 million CY of excavation across highly variable geology, including blasted rock cuts and fills up to 60 feet tall. ESW completed 27 bridges supported by nearly 44,000 LF of driven piles and incorporating 5,300 CY of structural concrete, 1.2 million pounds of reinforcing steel, and 52,000 SF of MSE wall. The work also included more than 110,000 LF of underground piping, underscoring the scale and complexity of the bypass program.