The speed limit will reduce from 55 mph to 45 mph on the U.S. 64 William B. Umstead Bridge, also called the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, as soon as Monday while work associated with the $33 million bridge preservation project continues.
Over the next few weeks, the 69-year-old bridge is to have the expansion joints replaced and steel plates on the bridge deck installed. Because of this work, lower speeds are necessary for safety and to maintain traffic flow while the bridge remains open.
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The bridge will most likely be closed in May to all traffic for at least six months as the preservation project enters its next phase, North Carolina Department of Transportation Officials said Thursday.
The bridge project is not expected to impact the purple martins that nest in the bridge during July and August because work will not occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during nesting season.
The project is expected to be complete in late 2026, at which point the speed limit will return to 55 mph. Drivers traveling between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island can use the Virginia Dare Bridge as an alternate route.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
