Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to open Wednesday night, several days early

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge preservation project will wrap up two weeks early, with the bridge now scheduled to open Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Like the reopening of the eastbound lanes, the process will take several hours to complete as crews will need to change signage and pavement markings and remove barrels.

The NCDOT says for several months, the contractor has done extensive work to create a smoother, safer ride, while also extending the life of the bridge connecting Brunswick and New Hanover counties. In January, the eastbound lanes closed to replace the grid deck and stringers, the support beams. The contractor finished the work ahead of the Azalea Festival. After the festival, the contractor closed the westbound lanes, completing the same work on that side. With the early opening, the contractor will be getting their $500,000 bonus.

However, there is still work to be done on the bridge. While all lanes of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge will be open to traffic daily, additional work will need to be done, including removal of the platform underneath the bridge.

To remove the platform, crews will need to close the outside lane in each direction. Beginning May 9, the lane closures will take place nightly between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. until the platform is removed.

After the platform removal is complete, the contractor will need to lift the bridge on several occasions to modify the counterweights that were added to the bridge as the deck and stringers were removed. The work will be done between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. on dates that will be announced later.

Wilmington Traffic Patterns to Return to Original Movements

Wednesday evening, the barricades on 3rd Street will be removed and traffic will be restored at its normal pattern at U.S. 421 onto U.S. 74.

NCDOT staff will restripe 3rd Street beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The traffic pattern at U.S. 117 North (North College Road) onto U.S. 74 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway) will return to its original pattern during the nights of May 15 and 16, weather permitting.

Drivers are encouraged to use DriveNC.gov for the most up-to-date travel information and avoid the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge during these times. If unavoidable, drivers should be alert to the lane closures and crews working on the bridge.