Lane Closures Begin Sunday on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

The N.C. Department of Transportation will intermittently close the east and westbound lanes of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on U.S. 421 nightly, starting at 9 p.m., Sunday, April 24, and ending at 5 a.m., Thursday, April 28.  The closures will allow crews to make routine repairs on the metal deck of the lift span of the bridge.  One lane in each direction will remain open to traffic at all times.

The bridge will not be closed to traffic; however, drivers are urged to seek alternate routes. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area and to expect possible delays.

NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

NCDOT crews will repair areas of the metal deck damaged from changes in weather, wear and fatigue. They will also inspect the remainder of the deck and make repairs as needed.

The damage was discovered during the bi-annual inspection of the bridge.  Correcting these issues will ensure a longer life for the structure as well as preserve the pavement. The Federal Highway Administration requires all bridges to be inspected once every two years.

All bridges go through a natural deterioration or aging process, although each bridge is unique in the way it ages. Regular inspections help the department identify whether a bridge needs maintenance and repair, then schedule them accordingly. If NCDOT inspectors find a safety concern, the bridge will be repaired or closed immediately until the repairs can be made. If necessary, NCDOT will post weight restrictions on a bridge. The department will not keep a bridge open if it is determined to be unsafe. For more information on bridge inspections, including definitions of terms and how inspections work, please visit the North Carolina Bridge Information web page.