TOWN CREEK – A section of U.S. 17 in Brunswick County that flooded during this week’s recent heavy rain will reopen to traffic today.
Crews with the N.C. Department of Transportation are actively working to reopen U.S. 17 in Town Creek. Drivers should anticipate congestion and delays until the new traffic pattern is complete, later today.
Once the highway is open and new traffic pattern set, drivers will be able to utilize U.S. 17 in both directions until the area of Governors Road SE. At this location, NCDOT will shift northbound traffic to the southbound side and create a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern, with cars moving in both directions on the southbound side. This pattern will continue until just south of the N.C. 87 intersection.
The northbound lanes of U.S. 17 will remain closed where floodwaters damaged the pavement. Repairs are underway, which includes removing the current pavement, and repaving the highway, which will take several days.
Delays are expected in this area due to the reduced lanes, so NCDOT encourages drivers, if possible, to utilize the larger detour routes of N.C. 211 to U.S. 74/76.
Drivers on U.S. 17 North will be able to access N.C. 87, but southbound drivers will either have to make a U-turn after the intersection father down on U.S. 17, or take U.S. 17 Business (Old Ocean Highway) to Danford Road.
It is important to remember when traveling, many roads in Brunswick County are still closed. Drivers should plan their commutes ahead of their travels and be alert.