Drawbridge on the eastbound side to
reopen
GREENVILLE – The N.C. Department of
Transportation is making adjustments in the Beaufort area in response to
concerns from residents regarding extra travels times since shifting traffic to
the new Gallants Channel Bridge.
To allow for more convenient access to downtown Beaufort until the
Turner Street bridge project is complete, the department is reopening the
drawbridge for eastbound traffic on U.S. 70. The Turner Street bridge is
anticipated to open by April 1. Drivers will turn right on Radio Island Road,
follow Old Causeway Road to Pivers Island and turn right onto the bridge.
The department also has remarked the lanes on U.S. 70 eastbound at
N.C. 101 to provide an eastbound right turn lane onto the portion of N.C. 101
that goes into Beaufort. Additionally, adjustments were made to the timing and
the phasing of the traffic signals at N.C. 101 and U.S. 70 and at N.C. 101 at
Live Oak (Old U.S. 70). Westbound U.S. 70 drivers will be able to turn left onto
Live Oak. Motorists on Live Oak will turn right onto U.S 70 East.
“When a new traffic pattern is put in place, there can be
unintended effects on traffic,” said DOT Division 2 Engineer Preston Hunter.
“Sometimes, we need to adjust these interim traffic patterns to restore an
acceptable flow of traffic. That’s why the department monitors traffic and makes
adjustments as needed.”
Most of these adjustments will be made over the next several days.
Drivers should expect to encounter intermittent lane closures and temporary
traffic shifts. Transportation officials urge motorists to drive carefully
through the work zones.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter