WILMINGTON – Demolition to replace a damaged New Hanover County bridge is set to begin next week.
On Monday, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will begin work on the bridge on Castle Hayne Road over Smith Creek. Once demolished, construction will begin.
The new bridge will be 263 feet long and 42 feet wide with one lane in each direction. NCDOT awarded the contract for $3.8 million. Construction is expected to be complete in fall of 2023.
The previous steel truss bridge was hit by a container truck on May 21, and was permanently closed after an inspection.
Drivers should continue to use N.C. 133 and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (U.S. 74) as a detour.
NCDOT suggests drivers plan ahead, as their commute may take longer than normal and remain alert around the closed bridge and construction.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.