Cape Fear Memorial Bridge closing

Starting May 27, one lane of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge will be shutdown during the day Monday through Thursday. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the bridge will be closed to traffic altogether.

A recent inspection of the bridge revealed cracks in its infrastructure. The State Department of Transportation said the bridge needs to be repaired, but that drivers should not be concerned.

"We feel like right now, the bridge is safe," State Bridge Management Engineer Daniel Holderman said. "We certainly, as we report to everybody, we don't leave bridges open that are unsafe."

All lanes will be open on the weekends to accommodate beach traffic. DOT officials hope the bridge will be completely repaired by the fall.