RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Transportation says it will close the Alligator River Bridge to all vehicle and boat traffic next month to make repairs.
A news release from the department said the closure is scheduled for Jan. 10 through Jan. 16.
Closing the bridge will allow crews to repair and replace electrical and mechanical components beneath the bridge's swing span. The work is part of an extensive renovation project designed to extend the life of the 58-year-old bridge, which links the west to the Outer Banks.
During the closure, NCDOT will have detour signage and variable message signs in place to guide motorists through the following detour routes:
- Motorists traveling east from Columbia should use N.C. 94 South to U.S. 264 East to U.S. 64.
- Motorists traveling west from Dare County to Columbia should use U.S. 264 West to N.C. 94 North to U.S. 64.
- Motorists traveling to the Outer Banks from areas west of Williamston should use U.S. 17 North to U.S. 158 East.
- Motorists traveling from the Outer Banks to points west of Williamston should use U.S. 158 West to U.S. 17 South to U.S. 64 West.
The project will require another week-long closure for the bridge in March 2018, but the dates for that shutdown hasn't been determined.