The North Carolina Department of Transportation is reminding motorists and mariners that the Alligator River Bridge between Tyrrell and Dare counties will be closed to all vehicle traffic and boat navigation from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 14 through 11:59 p.m. March 20.

The closure will allow crews to complete major renovation work on the bridge’s swing-span drawbridge. Workers will be repairing and replacing electrical and mechanical components located beneath the swing-span.

The work is part of an extensive renovation project designed to extend the life of the 58-year-old bridge. The $16.7 million contract was awarded to Flatiron Constructors of Morrisville back in March 2017.

During the closure, NCDOT will have detour signage and variable message signs in place to guide motorists through the following detour routes:

•Motorists traveling east from Columbia should use N.C. 94 South to U.S. 264 East to U.S. 64

•Motorists traveling west from Dare County to Columbia should use U.S. 264 West to N.C. 94 North to U.S. 64

•Motorists traveling to the Outer Banks from areas west of Williamston should use U.S. 17 North to U.S. 158 East

•Motorists traveling from the Outer Banks to points west of Williamston should use U.S. 158 West to U.S. 17 South to U.S. 64 West

No additional bridge closures are expected during the renovation project.