Pre-construction process expedited compared with traditional project delivery SALUDA — The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $32 million contract to reconstruct a complex 1.1-mile section of U.S. 176 destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Blythe Construction of Charlotte was the lowest qualified bidder for the project, which will rebuild 16 damaged sites along the highway as it passes through a steep, narrow ravine. The project includes …