News Summary
Significant road improvements are set to begin on U.S. 64 in Dare County, focusing on enhancing safety and traffic flow. Construction starts on April 2, 2025, with a project cost of $2.4 million. Crews will be working on multiple sections, including crucial waterline repairs and new bridge construction over the Alligator River. These enhancements aim to alleviate traffic congestion and improve infrastructure, with the new bridge expected to be completed in 2029. Residents and travelers should prepare for changing traffic patterns during the construction period.
Big Improvements Coming to U.S. 64 in Dare County
Attention all travelers and residents of Dare County! Major construction activities are about to kick off on a critical stretch of U.S. 64. This essential road, often bustling with traffic, will undergo significant improvements starting **April 2, 2025**. As the clock ticks down, motorists are being urged to stay alert as they navigate through the work zones.
What to Expect from the Construction
The Raleigh-based Fred Smith Company has been contracted to revamp a five-lane section of U.S. 64, particularly focusing on the area stretching from the famous Melvin R. Daniels Bridge to the Washington Baum Bridge. Milling and resurfacing operations will be underway, aiming to enhance not just road safety, but also the overall driving experience.
This pressing undertaking is essential as it coincides with another crew’s ongoing emergency work involving crucial waterline repairs located adjacent to the Washington Baum Bridge. Furthermore, parking lot enhancements for the Daniels Bridge are also on the agenda!
Timeline Breakdown
The first phase of this ambitious construction effort is scheduled to wrap up by **April 14, 2025**. Following this, the Fred Smith Company will shift focus to work on behalf of the town of Kill Devil Hills, enabling the county’s boring contractor to finalize the waterline project.
However, don’t fear—Fred Smith crews will be back in full force to tackle the remaining section of U.S. 64 from the Washington Baum Bridge right up to the Virginia Dare Bridge. The finish line for this remaining work is anticipated to be crossed by **May 9, 2025**! Keep in mind that weather conditions could influence these work schedules.
The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Infrastructure Enhancements
This road improvement initiative is just one part of a broader, ongoing project aimed at enhancing several areas along U.S. 64 and its surrounding roads and bridges within Dare County. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded a generous $2.4 million contract to Fred Smith Company last September to lead these crucial developments.
New Bridge Construction Over Alligator River
Crafted from concrete, drivers will soon notice contractors driving piles for the new **3.2-mile bridge**, which aims to connect Tyrrell and Dare Counties. With the existing Lindsay C. Warren Bridge being over six decades old, congestion has become a common theme due to its swing-span design. The new bridge is designed to alleviate these delays, towering **65 feet** above the channel, complete with wider travel lanes, shoulder space, and enhanced guardrails.
Future Projections and Updates
Set to debut in the **fall of 2029**, the new bridge represents a significant upgrade for local infrastructure. Demolition of the old bridge is slated to kick off in **spring 2030**, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for motorists.
While there are ongoing concerns regarding the temporary pause of federal grants, the NCDOT remains cautiously optimistic about lifting these funding restrictions. Many infrastructure projects await approval, including replacements for aging bridges and wildlife crossings—essential for maintaining safety and connectivity.
Beware of Changing Traffic Patterns
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Skanska Awarded $450 Million Contract for Bridge Replacement
New $450 Million Alligator River Bridge Construction Begins
Lindsay C. Warren Bridge Replacement Project Underway in North Carolina
Construction Starts for New Alligator River Bridge
177 Acres of Prime Coastal Land for Sale in Outer Banks
New Alligator River Bridge Construction in Columbia, NC
Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times
- Wikipedia: United States Highway 64
- News & Observer
- Google Search: North Carolina politics
- Roads & Bridges
- Google Scholar: Alligator River Bridge construction
- My FOX8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge construction
- Engineering News-Record
- Google News: Skanska North Carolina bridge
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
