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For a second summer, construction is set to continue on one of the two bridges that carry residents and visitors onto Wrightsville Beach.
The work on South Banks Channel Bridge began in fall 2021 and was initially expected to wrap up last fall, but the bridge needs more than originally thought, according to Aaron Moody, N.C. Department of Transportation’s assistant director of communications. That pushed the completion date to fall 2023.
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What work is being done?
NCDOT is making improvements to the girders, substructure, joint seals and pedestrian safety rail along the length of the bridge.
Why was the completion date pushed back?
The bridge, which was built in 1972, has been impacted by salt water and other environmental factors “more than originally anticipated,” according to Moody.
This has lengthened the amount of time needed to make improvements and mitigate future corrosion.
How will construction affect traffic?
The bridge has been striped to create two lanes of traffic traveling east onto Wrightsville Beach and one lane going west off of the island. That traffic pattern will remain the same throughout the summer and any needed additional closures will be completed after 11:30 p.m., according to Moody.
Wrightsville Beach Police Chief David Squires said the town dealt with the bridge’s ongoing construction last year. Although the construction and lane closures didn’t help with traffic congestion, the town managed, he said, and they’re expecting similar conditions this summer.
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What can visitors do to avoid congestion?
The department of transportation urges people to anticipate that it may take longer to get to and from Wrightsville Beach this summer and to be mindful of the road crews working in the area.
Squires suggested visitors “lower their travel stress” with “a little planning and reasonable expectations.” He also offered the following tips for dealing with congestion and parking across Wrightsville Beach:
- Arrive early! The earlier you arrive, the quicker you will find your spot. Your time spent searching for a spot on a busy summer day will go up significantly if you arrive after 10 a.m.
- If you cannot arrive early, please consider getting a rideshare. Rideshare services offer a great way to enjoy your visit without having to wait for a parking space to open up.
- Expect congestion and have a plan to keep going. When you encounter congestion and what appears to be a line of people waiting for a spot to open, you can move on to another spot and try your luck there.
- Be careful opening your door when using street side parking. Check for cyclists, pedestrians and cars before opening your door into traffic.
- Do not send a pedestrian to stand in a spot to “reserve” it.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, water and plenty of patience as everybody here is just trying to have a good time visiting the beach.
Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at [email protected].
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