Citizens are posting warnings about potential dangers on the new detour on Airport and Coley Roads. The N.C. Department of Transportation closed a portion of N.C. 87 in Bladen County to begin work on a 51-year-old bridge over Hammonds Creek this past Monday, June 15.
The project includes bridge rehabilitation including bridge deck overlay, joint replacement and painting the girders. However, there are concerns about the safety of the detour according to some of our readers.
Karen Campbell said, “Folks taking the Hwy. 87 detour down Airport Road outside of Elizabethtown need to be very cautious.” She went on to explain why saying, “The entire road is about the width of one lane on Hwy. 87 and, because there is little to no shoulder, the 18 wheelers were all over the place, running off of the road to make room for other vehicles.”
The Department of Transportation did warn travelers, stating, motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.
Campbell reminded folks, “Please slow down, pay attention, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle(s) in front of you.”
According to NC DOT, this bridge is one of five in the area that are part of the department’s statewide bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges.
The contractor for the $849,097 project is Lanford Brothers Co. Work is anticipated to be complete by Aug. 15.
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