RALEIGH – The planned improvements to US 13/158 in Hertford and Gates counties has taken a big step forward.

N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti announced on Tuesday that a contract has been awarded to widen 7.1 miles of U.S. 13/158 from two to four lanes between Winton and Tar Heel Barbecue.

A $46.5 million contract was awarded to E.V. Williams, Inc. of Virginia Beach, Va. for the work, which can begin as early as January 2012 with final completion scheduled for no later than Oct. 15, 2015.

The road widening project will begin at the US 13/158 and NC 45 intersection at Winton and head north to where US 13 and US 158 split at Tar Heel Barbecue.

The project also includes constructing a new two-lane bridge adjacent to the existing bridge over the Chowan River. In addition, the intersection of U.S. 13/158/N.C. 45 will be upgraded to an interchange.

This project will utilize the design-build method which allows the design, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and construction to take place at the same time, under one contract. This method reduces overall construction time, helps the department avoid cost inflation, allows the contractor to make innovations that save taxpayers money, lessens environmental impact and alleviates driving delays for motorists.

U.S. 13/158 will remain open during construction with lane closures and traffic shifts taking place.

The median-divided highway will be fully access controlled at some points and partial access at others. Only one driveway is allowed per parcel; the state may allow a second access if the property’s road frontage is 2,000 feet or more.

The total project, including right-of-way purchase, is listed at $56,809,600.