Wrightsville drawbridge to be left open overnight toward end of month

Upcoming work on the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge may cause some problems for drivers.

The bridge will be left in the upright position overnight for three nights at the end of the month, February 23rd through the 25th. The Department of Transportation will be reinforcing the bridge’s foundation under the water. Pesky marine organisms have eaten away at wood pilings that have become exposed over the years.

The bridge will be closed to drivers from 11:30 pm to 5:00 am on those days.

Bridge maintenance engineer Amanda Glynn says don’t worry, there is a back-up plan. “If you know you’re going to have to be on the mainland you’ll need to make arrangements to stay on the mainland. We will have a plan for emergency vehicles if there’s a fire or medical emergency on the island, the bridge will be open to traffic within 20 minutes of notification.”

DOT engineers held an information session at the Fran Russ Recreation Center in Wrightsville Beach on Monday night. Most residents were understanding about having to close the drawbridge.

“When you live on an island, you know you have to get across the water to get to the other side, and if the bridge is not kept in good shape that’s worse than, we like to make sure that it’s in good shape,” said Wrightsville Beach resident, Robin Spinks.

If you work later and need to get home to Wrightsville Beach during the closures, you are not out of luck. Sea Tow will offer free rides across the intracoastal.