HOPE MILLS – The new bridge that carries N.C. 59 over Interstate 95 Business opened Friday morning in Cumberland County.
At the same time, traffic was shifted onto a rebuilt ramp from I-95 Business southbound to N.C. 59 at the new bridge, while the two northbound ramps to exit or enter Business 95 North were closed Friday to allow improvements at this interchange to be completed. The ramps will be elevated to match the new bridge, and the drainage systems will be improved.
The new bridge was built about five feet higher alongside the two-lane bridge, which will be demolished this spring.
The new bridge currently is in a two-lane pattern until the contractor can finishing widening portions of N.C. 59 on either side of it by this fall. When that work is completed, all five lanes of the new bridge will be opened.
The northbound ramps will reopen in two-to-three months, if the weather cooperates.
During the northbound ramp closure, drivers will go over the new N.C. 59 bridge and turn left onto Marracco Drive to reach I-95 Business North. The same detour route will be used for northbound drivers wanting to reach N.C. 59.
Both southbound ramps closed Jan. 20. The ramp from N.C. 59 to head south on Business 95 will reopen in four-to-six weeks. The section of Shipman Road between the N.C. 59 and Fondern Drive that is closed as part of this project will reopen in the spring.