Chocowinity bridge replacement to take more than a year

A section of U.S. 17 Business in Chocowinity road will be closed for more than a year while a new bridge is built.

The existing bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad near Whichards Beach Road in Chocowinity will close to traffic Nov. 29. Construction of the new bridge is expected to last through spring 2023, North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said Monday.

During the closure, traffic will be detoured to U.S. 17 and U.S. 264. A temporary signal will be installed during this time at the southbound ramp to U.S. 17 Business from U.S. 264. Access to businesses on U.S. 17 Business will still be open.

Officials urge drivers to take the detour into account when planning their commute and use caution when traveling near the construction site.