U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finds safety issue at dam along Cape Fear River

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District has identified a dam safety issue at Cape Fear River Lock & Dam Number 1 and is working action to conduct emergency repairs.

According to the USACE, inspectors recently confirmed that river currents have eroded a channel through the riverbed beneath the lock structure.

If left unaddressed, continued erosion could undermine the riverbed supporting the structure, potentially causing settling or structural damage.

The Wilmington District is coordinating with a specialized internal maintenance and repair unit to develop a plan to stabilize the affected area and prevent further erosion.

Nearby dock owners should maintain standard precautions for routine river fluctuations.

Once underway, the emergency repairs are expected to be complete within 30 days, after which, the Wilmington District will evaluate the results and determine if any additional work is needed to permanently stabilize the structure.