Bridge in downtown Lumberton to be replaced, NCDOT says

LUMBERTON, N.C. (WMBF) - A bridge in downtown Lumberton is set to be replaced, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The NCDOT said it awarded a nearly $7 million contract to Smith-Rowe LLC of Mount Airy to replace the West Second Street Bridge. Work is set to begin to replace the bridge on Sept. 21, with a half-mile detour in the area using West Fifth Street and North Water Street.

Officials said the original bridge, which spans over the Lumber River and serves as a primary route into downtown Lumberton, was built during the Great Depression and is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Improvements to the newer bridge will include a 14-foot travel lane in each direction, a 12-foot center turn lane, a new guardrail and five-foot sidewalks on both dies. Decorative lighting is also set to be installed before the bridge reopens.

The NCDOT added that the new bridge is scheduled to reopen by May 2025.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Editor’s note: NCDOT sent an updated news release Thursday morning, clarifying the bridge will be closed until May 2025 for the replacement. A previous release stated the closure would last until the summer of 2024.