Reopening Washington Baum Bridge
Motorists journeying between Nags Head and Manteo in Outer Banks can anticipate a smoother ride this summer as the westbound lanes of the iconic Washington Baum Bridge, fondly known as Pirate’s Cove Bridge, are set to reopen by Friday. This news comes as a sigh of relief for many residents who have been battling traffic disruptions since mid-September last year when this refurbishment work began.
The traffic will be transferred to both outside lanes from tonight, thus making the last-minute preparations for a complete traffic shift by Friday afternoon.
The bridge has been undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation project worth $21.3 million designed to extend its lifespan and enhance its rideability. As part of these endeavors, the westbound bridge deck has been under closure for months, during which it underwent substantial concrete repairs and resurfacing. Locals had complained about the uneven surface on the bridge in the past which contributed significantly to this decision.
The refurbished lanes are expected to resolve this major grievance, ensuring a smoother drive across the expanse of the bridge. Despite the reopening, the speed limit will remain at 45 mph while concrete barriers will continue to be present in the center of the bridge for the safety of the motorists.
Extra traffic enforcement will persist in the area via the Helping All Work Zones Keep Safe (HAWKS) program. A collaborative initiative by NCDOT and North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the HAWKS program deploys off-duty law enforcement officers to oversee and patrol work zones. Their presence assists in maintaining the traffic discipline and ensuring the safety of the motorists.
All four lanes of the bridge will remain operational until September 16, after which the eastbound lanes will be closed for a similar resurfacing project. The traffic police are hopeful that the prior experience with the westbound lanes will help them manage the traffic disruptions and ensure that the work on the eastbound lanes goes smoothly.
Meanwhile, maintenance work on the underside of the bridge will be ongoing to ensure all-round refurbishing. The entire project, including both surface and underside rehabilitations, is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025.
The local residents, tourists, and other motorists can monitor real-time travel information and updates on the NCDOT social media platforms or by visiting the DriveNC.gov website prior to their travels.