The $2.9 million contract was awarded to Rea Contracting, a division of Lane Construction Corp. of Charlotte. Work can begin as early as April 2, and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 10.

The following roadways will be resurfaced:

0.83 miles of U.S. 15/501 from just east of Erwin Road to the Durham County line;

0.47 miles of South Greensboro Street from Main Street to Rand Street;

1.5 miles of North Greensboro Street/Hillsborough Road from Lorraine Street to Main Street;

1.5 miles of Seawell School Road from High School Road to Estes Drive;

0.8 miles of Seawell School Road/High School Road near Homestead Road; and

1.2 miles of Orange High School Road from the U.S. 70 Bypass to Miller Road.

Resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.

This is one of 31 contracts totaling $85.5 million awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina.

The North Carolina DOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders as required by state law.

The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 7.5 percent, or about $7 million, below DOT estimates.

Since Gov. Bev Perdue took office in January of 2009, DOT has awarded 472 highway contracts totaling $3.6 billion to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to jobs and educational opportunities.

For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other DOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.