US-401 Bridge set to open before Next Week

Officials with NC DOT say the US-401 Bridge crossing the Little River will re-open for travelers before next week. The Bridge which closed in November of last year was replaced by NC DOT contractor Smith-Rowe LLC for a cost of $2.3 Million. The Original Bridge was built in 1940 and has survived Multiple Hurricanes including Hurricane Florence in 2018 where Flood waters reached the Main Platform of the Bridge. The New Bridge is 2 lanes and has a 4-foot shoulder on each side to allow for future expansion. NC DOT spokesperson Andrew Barksdale told the Linden Post that the Bridge will be back open to drivers either this Saturday or next Monday. Many drivers have been impacted by the closure which has resulted in a 5-mile detour down West Reeves Bridge, Wire, and Josey Williams road. This story will continue to be updated as further information becomes available.