Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to close Jan. 2024: County Commissioner and one business react

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — In January, work will begin on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and it is expected to last until June. 

Not only will there be lane closures but at the beginning of the project, the entire bridge will be closed.  

That will happen in January to set traffic control patterns.  

Shortly after that, both lanes coming into Wilmington will be closed. In the Spring, both lanes heading into Brunswick County will close. 

Trevor Carroll is a Division Maintenance Engineer for the NCDOT. He said while this isn’t an ideal situation, it’s needed for the longevity of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.  

This project is expected to cause major detours.  

One proposal is to send all 18-wheelers down 3rd St. through Downtown Wilmington to the Isabel Holmes Bridge.  

Carroll asked those who regularly drive over the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, to plan accordingly—before next month arrives.  

“We want to do our job safely. We’re asking everyone to just give us some patience and give us some grace throughout this work time and we will restore and keep the bridge safe. We will extend the life, that’s our goal of this,” Carroll said. 

Carroll said while he and his team recognize the inconvenience of this project, they cannot ignore how necessary the work is.  

There will be a break in the middle of the project. No work will take place from April 1 through April 7 for the Azalea Festival.  

One New Hanover County Commissioner said he understands the potential for motorist frustration. But he said he recognizes the urgency of replacing the grid deck and support beams.  

“It’s just gonna create a challenge for many folks in that particular part of our community for a total of 6 months all together,” New Hanover County Commissioner, Jonathan Barfield, said. 

“This is a part of those ongoing repairs to maintain the stability and life of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge,” Barfield said. 

Owner of ‘The Eagles Dare’ Joe Apkarian, said although it’s going to be hectic for a while—he’s glad the city and project planners are being considerate of their timing. 

“Necessary infrastructure improvements to our town are critical and there will be times of inconvenience…,” Apkarian said. “I’m glad this work is beginning now in the off season as opposed to the middle of peak high season.”