Locally known as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, the William B. Umstead Bridge over Croatan Sound will close to traffic in mid-May for what transportation officials call a critical phase of the $33 million bridge preservation project.
During an expected six-month closure of the 69-year-old bridge, all 313 concrete spans on the bridge will be repaired and each of the 170 expansion joints will be replaced.
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Because of the extent of the restoration work and the narrow lanes, the North Carolina Department of Transportation determined that a complete closure is preferable to completing the work under single lane closures.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen with lane closures in the fall. In the meantime, drivers traveling between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island can use the Virginia Dare Bridge as an alternate route.
“We realize it will be an inconvenience for some commuters,” NCDOT Resident Engineer Pablo Hernandez said in a statement. “However, the safety of both motorists and workers is our top priority, and a complete closure of the bridge is the safest alternative for this type of work.”
The bridge project is not expected to impact the purple martins that nest in the bridge during July and August, as work will not occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during nesting season.
The bridge preservation project is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.
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For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
