NCDOT: Rain Forces Delay In Reopening Of NC 50 Bridge At I-95 In Benson

BENSON, N.C. — Motorists hoping to drive across the N.C. 50 bridge at Interstate 95 this week will have to wait a little longer.

The N.C. Department of Transportation announced Monday that rain over the weekend and continuing into Monday has delayed the reopening of the Exit 79 interchange in Benson. Officials had planned to reopen the bridge and newly constructed roundabout Sunday night after a 45-day closure.

Project officials now expect the interchange to reopen either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, depending on weather conditions.

NCDOT said crews cannot safely complete the final phase of construction until conditions improve. The remaining work includes placing the final layer of asphalt and installing permanent pavement markings, both of which require dry weather.

Despite the delay, officials say the project has made significant progress in recent weeks.

Construction crews have completed the new bridge surface, installed sidewalks and bridge railings, and built additional curb and gutter sections. Once the final asphalt is placed and lane markings are installed, traffic will be allowed to return to the interchange.

“We’ve made a lot of headway over the past few weeks, and crews have been working efficiently to keep this project moving and on schedule,” said Randy Wise, an NCDOT consultant serving as the project’s manager.

The bridge on N.C. 50 at I-95 closed on May 28 to allow crews to reconstruct the bridge and build a new roundabout at the interchange. The closure was expected to last approximately 45 days.

Even after the interchange reopens, drivers should expect periodic lane closures and construction activity as crews complete remaining work around the project area.

NCDOT also plans to temporarily close the northbound Interstate 95 entrance ramp at Exit 79 so it can be aligned with the new roundabout. The department said the closure will be announced once a schedule has been finalized.

The improvements are part of NCDOT’s ongoing project to widen and modernize Interstate 95 between Exits 71 and 81 through Harnett and Johnston counties.