UPDATE - A bridge on U.S. 70 West has been repaired and the lane closed to traffic reopened Friday afternoon, much sooner than originally anticipated.
Below is the original release.
KINSTON - A lane of U.S. 70 in Kinston is closed until repairs can be made to a bridge railing struck by a tractor trailer this morning.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews immediately closed the westbound outside lane of the highway where it crosses the Neuse River on the west side of town.
After inspection, maintenance crews determined the bridge is safe, but a lane needs to remain closed until the bridge is repaired, which is expected to take about two weeks. The repairs include patching concrete posts and railing.
While the second westbound lane will remain open, NCDOT encourages drivers to seek alternate routes, when possible, as there will likely be congestion in the area – especially Fridays and Sundays as travelers head to and from the beach.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.