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NCDOT: Critical work remains on bridge preservation project

The William B. Umstead Bridge, also commonly known as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, will remain closed through February as work continues on a $33 million bridge preservation project, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced on December 19, 2024. The Umstead Bridge connects the north end of Roanoke Island with the Dare County mainland.

“Critical work remains before the 70-year-old bridge can safely be reopened to traffic: workers must complete the overlay on the bridge deck and install new, elastomeric concrete in its expansion joints,” stated NCDOT. “Contractors hope to have that work completed in about two months, weather permitting.”

The bridge will reopen once that work is complete with single lane closures until the project is completed in late 2026 or early 2027.

The bridge was closed in early June for what was anticipated to be an estimated six months. “During the closure, all 313 concrete spans on the bridge will be repaired and each of the 170 expansion joints will be replaced,” stated the May announcement of the closure. “Given the extent of the restoration work and the narrow lanes on the 69-year-old bridge, the N.C. Department of Transportation has determined that a complete bridge closure is preferable to completing the work under single lane closures. In addition, epoxies and other materials to be used in the preservation work are best used in warm temperatures, meaning a summer and fall closure was the best way to avoid costly delays.”

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