New route into Wilmington announced due to congestion

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has released information on a new route into Wilmington due to congestion on a route using 421.

Officials say drivers using the 421 route can expect to be in traffic for hours. If you are safe and can stay where you are, officials ask that you continue to stay in place. If returning to Wilmington, they are asking people to use the updated route.

The updated route is all four lane highways.

The route is:

1-40 East to Exit 373

Take a Left Turn onto NC 24 East

Travel on NC 24 East to Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, get on US 17 South to Wilmington

Routes are subject to change.

New Hanover County Emergency Management continues to operate the Emergency Operations Center and Joint Information Center in response to Hurricane Florence. Anyone with questions can call the public information hotline telephone number at (910) 798-6800.