WILMINGTON — Annual NCDOT inspections will close the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge for up to four consecutive nights beginning Sunday evening.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), closures are scheduled for Sunday and Monday night. If the inspection is delayed by weather, or if repairs are required, two additional overnight closures are possible on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
NCDOT will not have further closures for this round of inspection beyond Wednesday morning, September 4, according to a release.
Closures each night will begin at 9 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. the following morning.
According to NCDOT, “The closures will allow NCDOT’s Bridge Maintenance Electrical Department and the New Hanover Bridge Maintenance Department to do an annual inspection of the aerial cable installation. This inspection is done to identify potential problems and ensure cables will remain functional and in good repair for the duration of their life expectancy. The aerial cable strapping utilizes strips of rubber as insulating material to prevent damage from the straps themselves. These must be replaced or inspected every year due to the deterioration of the material.”
Detour signs will be posted, directing traffic to other river crossings – possibly including the Isabel Holmes and I-140 bridges – during the closures. Drivers should plan to spend extra time during their commute if traveling at night. NCDOT advises caution for all drivers approaching work zones.
