The DOT plans to close lanes on the Isabel Holmes Bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 through June 6 for repairs.Staff Photo | PAUL STEPHEN |
The other bridge across the Cape Fear River needs immediate repairs, too.
But state officials said they would try to schedule lane closures on the Isabel Holmes Bridge so they don't coincide with anticipated closures on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
The two structures parallel each other across the Cape Fear River and connect downtown Wilmington and northern Brunswick County.
The N.C. Department of Transportation said Thursday that it plans to close the eastbound and westbound right lanes of the Isabel Holmes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 through June 6. The lane closures are needed so DOT maintenance workers can replace missing concrete, which is exposing steel in the bridge girders to corrosion. Raleigh-based state bridge inspectors found the problems in a recent inspection and indicated they needed prompt attention to prevent further corrosion.
If lanes are going to be closed on the Memorial Bridge during that time, then work on the Isabel Holmes will be delayed, said Allen Pope, DOT division engineer.
"It is our intent not to have lane closures on both bridges at the same time," he said.
Repair work on the Memorial Bridge could begin as early as Tuesday and continue at least through mid-August, DOT officials have said. Single lanes will be closed during the day, except for rush hours, and the bridge will be closed entirely at night to give contractors room to make the repairs. Detours will be set up.
On the Cape Fear Memorial, state inspectors found cracks in hundreds of steel plates that connect beams that support the bridge deck. Work to replace 616 connector plates will be done under a $2.3 million contract with the DOT. Repairs to the Isabel Holmes bridge will be done by DOT maintenance staff, Pope said, adding that he didn't know immediately how much they would cost.
Pope said both structures are aging, and maintenance needs aren't unusual.
"You can start expecting this type of issue to pop up from time to time," he said.
Patrick Gannon: 343-2328
patrick.gannon@starnewsonline.com
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