Traffic troubles raise concerns about emergency plans, detours

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An accident on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge this morning caused major headaches for thousands of commuters heading into Wilmington. 

The accident shut down three lanes of the bridge, causing some commute to take up to three hours. This was no ordinary fender bender, so the question arises what plans does law enforcement have in place for events like this.

“It was dead stopped for about 45 minutes, and then it started moving slowly,” said Anne Tucker who was making her way into Wilmington in the traffic. Tucker said it normally takes her about an hour to travel from Brunswick County into Wilmington, but today it took her well over 2 hours.

Highway Patrol First Sergeant Troy Pope says in an emergency or known closure of a bridge, detour routes would be opened to help drivers. This was not one of those instances. Examples he used were a fatal crash on the bridge or a hurricane. Pope said there were 4 troopers out helping with traffic this morning.

We spoke with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office about traffic control at major intersections. A spokeswoman said deputies helped clear the approach to the bridge and detour traffic to 421.

The bridge officially opened again just before 10:00, but heavy persisted through the afternoon especially in Leland.

Leland Police said there were so busy taking calls they were not able to help direct traffic near the causeway like they have in the past.