Oak Island asks drivers to avoid area as house move takes longer than expected

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Drivers are being urged to avoid part of Oak Island Wednesday afternoon after a house move took longer than expected.

In an update issued around 12:30 p.m., town officials said the transport has been slowed by additional road widening work and increased traffic from people stopping to watch the move.

Officials are asking motorists to avoid traveling on W. Beach Drive for the remainder of the afternoon if possible.

Drivers who must travel in the area are encouraged to use W. Dolphin Drive and W. Pelican Drive as alternate routes to avoid blocking the home’s travel path.

The move began Wednesday morning and involves transporting a home measuring approximately 75 feet long by 35 feet wide about 4.5 miles from 6901 W. Beach Drive to 123 SW 3rd Street.

Town officials had originally expected the move to take about four hours, but the combination of additional roadway work and heavy traffic from onlookers has significantly slowed progress.

Officials continue to ask drivers to be patient, follow directions from officers and avoid the area whenever possible until the move is complete.