Cape Fear Memorial Bridge lane closures: What to expect
The entire region is preparing for drastic changes during upcoming lane closures on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Everything from alternate routes to emergency services is being taken into account in preparation.
What’s happening?
NCDOT is closing both eastbound lanes (inbound to Wilmington), for about two months with a tentative start date on Jan. 28. Some single-lane closures will start earlier in January. NCDOT plans to have both lanes open for the duration of the Azalea Festival. Afterward, on April 9, the department will close westbound lanes (outbound from Wilmington) for an estimated two months or until the repairs are complete. NCDOT anticipates completion of the repairs sometime in late May 2024.
Why?
According to NCDOT, to preserve the lifespan of the bridge, repairs must be made as soon as possible. “While the bridge is safe, it is in need of critical repairs,” said Chad Kimes, NCDOT division engineer. Beginning on Jan. 28, crews will work on replacing the moveable deck on the bridge. Currently, the deck is supported by stringers that are sagging. Though the deck itself was replaced five years ago, the stringers still need to be replaced.
To address why construction can’t be completed at night, NCDOT stated that the risk it too great. “Safety is first on this project. We’re not going to risk anything that’s dangerous,” Kimes said. “Stringers are one thing you do not want to do at night … that is a dangerous operation.”
Prepare in advance
NCDOT can only provide a tentative timeline since it can’t anticipate delays caused by unpredictable factors like weather. But the goal is to have the bridge completed by late May 2024.
Drivers who need to travel between Brunswick County and New Hanover County should be sure to take into account delayed travel time — even with the detours.
NCDOT says that drivers can take detour routes on the Isabel Holmes Bridge, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and College Road, or Interstate 140. They plan to have message boards to alert drivers to the most optimal route at that particular time. The DOT has also delayed the resurfacing of I-140 until the completion of the project so as to not interfere with detour traffic. It should be noted that while cars can still plan to use Third Street, trucks will not be permitted.
"Our team continues to coordinate with NCDOT and the city to understand our traffic flows and ensure early communication to our port-user community,” said Brian Clark, NC Ports executive director.
To plan for travel time, drivers can follow NCDOT on social media for regular updates. Kimes also encourages drivers to use Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze, which will alert drivers to which detour route is the timeliest option.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is closing lanes. What you can expect.
