The latest on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Preservation Project
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation hosted a news conference Thursday morning about repair work starting days from now on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Officials offered a timeline of the preservation project and gave some insight on how drivers, especially truck drivers, can stay up to date in real time while on the roads.
“Every hour of this project is preplanned,” NCDOT Division Engineer Chad Kimes said.
Over the past few weeks nightly lane closures have taken place for the work platform to be built ahead of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge work.
Now it’s a race to May 23, 2024.
If the work is completed by this date, the contractor will receive a $500,000 incentive. If by June 28, a $200,000 bonus will be given.
“For every day after that, we call it liquidated damage, but it’s where the contractor would pay us $6,000 a day until it’s open,” Kimes said. So, the point here is we keep pushing money to have it open sooner.”
The DOT said the only real risk of delay at this point is if supplies are delayed.
Lots of drivers are curious how the DOT plans to keep them informed on delays. The DOT said it is working to ensure GPS apps have the current conditions of the roads along with what detours drivers should take. There will also be electronic road signs displaying estimated travel times.
Drivers are encouraged to keep roadways and the sides of detour paths clear to avoid being towed.
“We’re implementing this immediate tow where this vehicle will get towed within 30-45 minutes. So, keep in mind we do not want any distractions on the side of these detour routes,” Kimes said. “This is all about clearing that roadway clear and free for these drivers.”
The DOT said efficiency and safety are the top priorities. That’s why 18-wheelers are being told not to drive on 3rd Street.
Ports are going to be in touch with drivers on what alternative seems like the best fit, which may include extending gate times.
The DOT also stressed the importance of not working under less than perfect weather conditions.
In the case of an incoming rain system, work will come to a halt.
WWAY’s website will feature live DOT traffic cameras, information on closures, and with detour maps.
