ELIZABETHTOWN – The U.S. 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River will be reduced to one lane on Aug. 2, weather permitting.
The intermittent lane reduction, which will require flagging operations on the two-lane bridge, is necessary for contract workers to complete the installation of concrete-reinforced girders on the north side of the river.
The lane closures will be off and on between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., each time lasting about an hour while girders are set into place. Drivers should expect delays crossing the bridge on Aug. 2. and should proceed through the lane closure cautiously.
Smith-Rowe LLC of Mount Airy began constructing the four-lane bridge in 2020 after the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a $23.3 million contract. Earlier this year, the contractor permanently shifted traffic from the old bridge onto a new portion of the bridge.
The new bridge is scheduled to fully open in 2024.