Flat Rock/Fletcher, NC (NC Bridges) – Jan. 12-16, 2026

NC Bridges – Martin Bridge, Mauldin Bridge, Lemuel Oates (Briar Hollow) Bridge 

We had a total of 13 volunteers during this week 1/12 – 1/16; 7 Weekly, 1 Long Term, 2 Crew Leaders, and 2 Leadership volunteers, to work on the Martin Bridge in Flat Rock, the Mauldin Bridge in Weaverville, and the Briar Hollow Bridge in Fletcher. Our volunteers were from VA, OH, PA, NE, and IN. 

The volunteers worked on 3 bridges this week. Progress was as follows: 

Martin Bridge: On Monday volunteers set bridge rails and fastened down, started on decking and end stem walls. On Tuesday volunteers formed and poured the back wall and continued working on decking. On Wednesday volunteers finished decking, put up rails, and final grading. On Thursday 2 volunteers moved the equipment to Mauldin Bridge in Weaverville. Bridge is complete! 

Mauldin Bridge: On Monday volunteers moved the walk bridge and started on footings. On Tuesday volunteers worked on forming abutment footings and walls and cleaning out creek beds. On Wednesday volunteers placed concrete in abutments and cleaned out creek bed. On Thursday the equipment was transferred to this site. On Friday volunteers worked on rock placement on river embankment, delivery of supplies, and reset the temporary walk bridge.  

Briar Hollow (Lemuel Oates) Bridge: On Thursday volunteers worked to strip forms, place riprap, and move equipment. On Friday volunteers laid out bridge and received the equipment delivered to site.   

The Freeman Knolls Bridge dedication was held on Friday at 3:00 with approximately 60 people in attendance. The neighbors and community members prepared refreshments and offered their heartfelt words and played a song by Natalie Merchant “Kind & Generous” to express their sincere thankfulness to MDS, LDR, FEMA, and all the volunteers that worked so hard to build their bridge.