COLUMBIA, N.C. -
The Alligator River Bridge in Tyrrell and Dare counties will be closed for almost two weeks in April for repairs.
That's according to state transportation officials.
The closure means that drivers will have to take a 90-mile detour.
As soon as March 18, crews will start repairing the the drawbridge. Only one lane will be open at a time.
Then, from April 2 through April 14, the bridge will be closed to all traffic. Work crews will swing the bridge into an open position, raise it up with supports, and secure both ends to replace several mechanical parts.
The work is necessary since the bridge opens more than 500 times a month.
Motorists will have to drive from N.C. 94 to U.S. 264 and back to U.S. 64 to take the detour. Officials say a public transit service is also being considered.
