Construction begins: March 8, 2016 (preliminary work began in February 2016)

New bridge scheduled to open to traffic: November 2018

Demolition of existing bridge: November 2018–September 2019

Project scheduled to be completed: September 2019

The bridge is designed and constructed in five different zones. Construction will start at the south end approach, north end approach and navigation. Once the north and south approaches are completed, work will begin on the sections that will connect each end with the navigation zone (the high rise).

What to Expect During Construction

• Daytime lane closures should be expected on N.C. 12 Mondays, beginning at 7 a.m., through Fridays at 3 p.m., until June 13.
• Daytime lane closures are not allowed June 14 to September 14; however, nighttime lane closures are allowed Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning.
• One lane will remain open during lane closures; however, motorists should allow extra travel time. The open travel lane will not have any width restrictions for emergency vehicles. 
• Short, nighttime road closures for up to 30 minutes for deliveries may be needed. Advance notice will be given in these situations.
• Lane closures also are restricted on certain days around holiday travel.
• NCDOT is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the local boating community to keep them informed of construction activities and potential impacts to the navigation span at the existing bridge. Any impacts to navigation will be to ensure the safety of boaters and will be for short periods of time.

Key Milestones

• First pile driven: Late March/early April 2016
• First girder set: Mid-to late July 2016
• All piles driven: January 2018
• Construction 50 percent complete: June/July 2017