Repairs underway for section of U.S. 421 washed out during storm

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Department of Transportation has announced its plan for rebuilding the section of U.S. 421 at the Pender-New Hanover line that was heavily damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Florence.

The first step is to open it up in a limited traffic pattern within 30 days, according to a news release.

NCDOT says this section of highway experienced the worst degree of washout in the state. More than 500 feet of roadway was completely washed away by flood waters that crested almost a week after the rains had stopped in this area, the release states.

NCDOT began work this week to open a two-lane, two-way temporary traffic pattern that will open within 30 days. During that time, crews will work toward a permanent solution to repair the damaged road.

Other roads, including three primary routes, also remain closed across Highway Division Three, which includes the Wilmington area and nearby counties.

• N.C. 133 in Brunswick County is impassable near Fifty Lakes Drive due to washout.
• N.C. 210 in Pender County is washed out between Blueberry Road and the Bladen County line.
• N.C. 53 in Pender County is closed near Maple Hill between Whitestocking Road and N.C. 50 because of high water and washout.
• Secondary roads are closed in 28 spots across the division.

Repairs on several of these roads are already underway.

Local NCDOT crews, as well as department workers from four other DOT divisions based in other parts of the state, are handling road washout and sign repairs. For bigger repairs, such as U.S. 421, outside contractor companies are being used.