Dove Field Drive washout repairs expected to be completed by end of September

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A popular cut-through connecting the Ogden and Murrayville areas remains closed after part of Dove Field Drive washed out following heavy rain in August.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation now plans to install a larger pipe beneath the roadway as part of the repairs.

NCDOT Public Information Officer Veronica Scott said the area received a significant amount of rain in a short period of time, causing the washout.

The new pipe must be custom built and is expected to be delivered to the site within the next two weeks, according to NCDOT.

There are also significant utility adjustments that must be completed before crews can install the pipe.

“Weather permitting, we hope to have these repairs complete by the end of the month,” Scott said.

What happened?

Dove Field Drive crosses the headwaters of Smith Creek in northeastern New Hanover County.

The roadway collapsed around 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, after strong storms moved through the Wilmington area Friday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and flooding to parts of the region.

Trees and debris were also left in the roadway.

At the time of the washout, NCDOT said there were no confirmed reports of injuries or vehicle damage.

The road was closed while crews assessed the damage and determined what repairs would be necessary.

NCDOT’s latest update indicates the repair will involve increasing the size of the pipe beneath the roadway before the road can reopen.

The timeline remains dependent on weather, utility work and delivery of the custom-built pipe.

This is a developing story. WWAY will provide additional information as it becomes available.