Bridge Repairs To Cause Delays, Detours Along I-95 In Harnett, Johnston Counties

InHarnett County, unlikely traffic jams are the result of a truck-bridge collision. The truck's load of steel girders slammed into the Long Branch Road Bridge on May 3. The impact knocked the bridge deck down eight inches.

"Eight inches is a severe drop, and we were really lucky that there was not another vehicle on the bridge at that time," says Bill Jones of theN.C. Department of Transportation.

As crews wrestle with tons of replacement steel, drivers are pinned down by a detour along northbound I-95.

Travelers can expect more traffic about 18 miles north of Long Branch Road in Johnston County.

The Route 1162 bridge over I-95 into Four Oaks is also under repair. A truck carrying steel ramps struck the bridge on May 5.

Southbound 95 is squeezed to one lane for repairs. Traffic moves smoothly through most of the day.

The word from the Department of Transportation to I-95 drivers is to be patient.

"We're working as fast as we can to get I-95 open," says Jones.

The DOT thinks I-95 will be clear for Memorial Day driving.

The Harnett County bridge repair will cost about $100,000. The truck driver's insurance company will pay the bill.

No word yet on the price tag for the Johnston County repairs.