UPDATE – The N.C. Department of Transportation has suspended the project after environmental agencies found a protected species, Carolina Wren, nesting under the existing bridge. The length of the suspension is unknown at this time. The department will send another update when dates are determined.
Below is the original news release.
SANDY CREEK – A portion of a highway in Brunswick County is set to be closed to traffic for the next several months while crews replace a bridge.
The nearly 50-year-old bridge on Maco Road (N.C. 87) over Batarora Branch will be demolished and then rebuilt. Work will start May 2, and construction is expected to be completed by this fall and the road reopened.
The project is estimated to cost $1.2 million.
Drivers will be detoured onto U.S. 74/76 and Interstate 140 to access either side of the closure.
N.C. Department of Transportation urges drivers to take the detour into account when planning their commute and move carefully near construction.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.