WILMINGTON – The North Carolina
Department of Transportation has scheduled a bridge rehabilitation project for
the G.V. Barbee Bridge (Old Oak Island Bridge) over the Intracoastal Waterway
beginning in September and continuing through May 2019.
This rehabilitation work includes replacing the existing girders on
27 spans, and installing a new riding deck, and barrier rail. The project was
accelerated to avoid conflicts with the N.C. 211 project which will begin
construction in 2019.
“This rehabilitation project will extend the life of the Oak Island
Bridge,” said NCDOT Deputy Division Engineer Chad Kimes. “Once the work is
completed next May, our region will have a much more sustainable bridge that
will benefit drivers for years to come.”
The Oak Island Bridge will be closed to all traffic while this work
is being performed. During the closure, detours and alternate routes will be
available for motorists.
The estimated cost of this bridge rehabilitation is $7 million.
The Oak Island Bridge Rehabilitation project is part of a large
statewide bridge rehabilitation initiative called the “High Value Bridge
Program”. Other bridges that are part of this program in this region include the
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the Holden Beach Bridge, the Isabel Holmes Bridge,
the Odell Williamson Bridge, and the I-40 Cape Fear River Bridge.