RPC Contracting of Kitty Hawk is nearing the completion of the drainage improvements in North Boundary Canal in Columbia.

In late November RPC reported to Tyrrell County offcials that Road Street would be reopened on Dec. 7, and it was, after having been closed to all traffic since Oct. 3. The detour via Newfoundland Road for some Riverneck and Sound Side residents driving to Columbia was 20 miles.

The project called for installation of a huge metal culvert in the canal in the hope it will reduce flooding in the area.

To accommodate the culvert, the surface of North Road Street has been raised 18 inches.

Underground water, sewer, and natural gas pipelines were relocated. Power poles were moved. Curb and gutter were installed between Green Street and Cemetery Road.

Although traffic movement has resumed on Road Street, intermittent lane closures in the work zone can be expected until Dec. 23, RPC predicted.

RPC’s bill for the project is $675,867.