Wrightsville Beach bridge project utility work to begin Monday

Wrightsville Beach, NC (WWAY) — Utility relocation work for the Wrightsville Beach Bridge replacement project is set to begin Monday, with crews removing a limited number of trees and shrubs along West Salisbury Street to prepare for future construction.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, crews will work on the westbound side of West Salisbury Street between the two bridges and near Pelican Drive. The work is expected to take about one week.

Officials said the work will take place entirely within the NCDOT right-of-way and will not require the use of private property.

No lane closures are expected during the project, but motorists are encouraged to slow down and use caution as crews will be working alongside the roadway.

The tree and shrub removal is necessary to relocate utility infrastructure, including power lines, telecommunications, water and sewer services, before bridge construction begins. Transportation officials said utility relocation is a standard step in roadway and bridge projects to maintain uninterrupted service during construction.

NCDOT acknowledged that the area’s trees and vegetation are an important part of Wrightsville Beach’s character. The department said it coordinated with utility providers to minimize impacts but determined some vegetation must be removed. Officials said NCDOT and the Town of Wrightsville Beach are working on a plan to replace the trees after the project.