NCDOT already preparing for Cape Fear Memorial Bridge westbound lane closure

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –Work on the eastbound lanes of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is expected to take several months to complete.

But the North Carolina Department of Transportation is already preparing for when work on the westbound lanes starts in April.

Work on the bridge will stop for the North Carolina Azalea Festival.

Then work on the westbound lanes will take place until May.

The NCDOT said that work will take less time because the equipment is already in place.

That’s what crews have spent the last week doing.

NCDOT’s assistant division maintenance manager said there is one major intersection that will be impacted by the westbound lane closure.

“For the westbound lane closure, the intersection of MLK and College is more affected than for the eastbound closure because that increases left turns versus right turns at that intersection so we’re looking at some modifications to make there,” Jessi Leonard said. “We haven’t nailed everything down there yet but we are looking at that.”

The NCDOT said workers are on the bridge from 6 am to 6 pm. It’s too dangerous for them to work in the dark, but deliveries of materials continue throughout the night, so work is still being done 24/7.