Old Manns Harbor bridge in Dare County prepares for repair project

Kenzie Finch
·1 min read

MANNS HARBOR, N.C. (WAVY) — The William B. Umstead, or Old Manns Harbor, bridge is scheduled to close the second half of May for around six months.

Previous Coverage: Work has begun at the Old Manns Harbor Bridge in Dare

The $33 million bridge project requires all 313 concrete spans on the bridge to be repaired and the 170 expansions joints to be replaced. The bridge is almost 70 years old, and the N.C. Department of Transportation said a complete closure is preferable to completing the work under single lane closures.

“We realize it will be an inconvenience for some commuters,” said NCDOT Resident Engineer Pablo Hernandez, in a release. “However, the safety of both motorists and workers is our top priority, and a complete closure of the bridge is the safest alternative for this type of work.”

The bridge is scheduled to reopen with lane closures in the fall. The bridge preservation project is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.

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