NCDOT Announces 45-Day Closure Of N.C. 50 Bridge Over I-95 In Benson

Bridge Closure, Detours Planned as I-95 Widening Project Advances

BENSON, N.C. — Motorists traveling through Benson will soon encounter major traffic changes as construction crews continue work on widening Interstate 95 and rebuilding the Exit 79 interchange.

The N.C. Department of Transportation announced the N.C. 50 bridge over Interstate 95 at Exit 79 is scheduled to close beginning May 28 for an estimated 45 days while crews complete bridge rehabilitation work and construct a new roundabout near the interchange.

The temporary closure comes as part of the larger Interstate 95 widening project between Exit 71 and Exit 81 near the Interstate 40 junction. The interstate is being expanded from four lanes to eight lanes, with the overall project expected to continue through late spring 2028.

The I-95 southbound off-ramp at Exit 79 was already closed last week to allow crews to realign the ramp at East Main Street/N.C. 50. Southbound drivers are currently being directed to Exit 77 at Hodges Chapel Road. The rebuilt off-ramp is expected to reopen May 21.

Beginning May 28, drivers will no longer be able to cross the interstate using the N.C. 50 bridge while crews rehabilitate the 24-year-old structure. Improvements include installing new outer rails, widening sidewalks on both sides of the bridge and upgrading the concrete driving surface.

Construction crews will also build a roundabout where the I-95 northbound ramps connect with N.C. 242.

While interstate traffic will still be able to access Exit 79 during the closure, drivers will not be able to cross the bridge and will instead be directed away from the construction area.

Local traffic will be detoured using South Market Street and Cub Road south of the interchange. Truck detours will vary depending on travel direction and will include routes along U.S. 301, Jonesboro Road and Exit 77.

To help motorists navigate the area during construction, NCDOT plans to install temporary wayfinding signs along detour routes directing travelers to nearby hotels, restaurants and businesses around Exit 79.

Weather permitting, the upgraded bridge and new roundabout are expected to reopen by July 12.