If you walk, run or drive West Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach, the island’s routine is about to change. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has set Monday, Nov. 30, 2026 as the target date to fully close U.S. 74 (West Salisbury Street) over Lees Cut so crews can demolish the old bridge and build a new one. It is the first hard closure of the long-planned Wrightsville Beach bridge replacement project, and it will reshape how residents, renters and visitors move around the north side of the island until summer 2027.
We have covered the overall Wrightsville Beach bridge replacement plan before. This post focuses on what is new: the closure date, the limits of the work zone, what happens to the Loop, and what owners and buyers should plan around this winter.
What Closes, When and Where
According to NCDOT’s Oct. 30, 2026 press release, contractor Balfour Beatty plans to fully close West Salisbury Street from Pelican Drive to Lookout Harbor Way beginning at 5 a.m. on Nov. 30. No vehicle or pedestrian traffic will be allowed in the work zone. NCDOT notes the start date could shift depending on when the current utility relocation wraps up, and drivers should expect intermittent lane closures on West Salisbury in the weeks leading up to the full closure.
The Town of Wrightsville Beach’s bridge project page adds a few practical details:
- NCDOT awarded the Phase 1 contract to Balfour Beatty on Oct. 1, 2026, for $8.67 million. Phase 1 covers the smaller Lees Cut bridge and waterline relocation.
- Residents may see equipment on Pelican Drive and along the West Salisbury shoulder as waterline work continues.
- Once bridge construction starts, the Heide Trask Drawbridge is expected to open only on the hour to help manage traffic.
What Happens to the Loop
For many locals, the biggest change is not traffic. It is the Loop, the popular walking and running route around the island. WECT reported on Nov. 10, 2026 that the closure will cut off the full 2.5-mile Loop, leaving the shorter loop around the town municipal area. People can still use the Loop, but the section over the Lees Cut bridge will be off limits while the bridge is rebuilt.
If daily walks are part of why you love living here, plan on the shorter route this winter and spring, and keep an eye on town updates for any alternate paths.
The New Bridge and the Bigger Timeline
NCDOT says the new Lees Cut bridge will have two 12-foot travel lanes, two 6-foot bike lanes and a 12-foot multi-use path on the south side. It is expected to be finished by summer 2027, when this part of West Salisbury Street reopens. Crews will then move to the longer West Salisbury Street bridge over Banks Channel, and the town says that work and the Causeway Drive bridge work are expected to run at the same time.
WECT reported that the full project is expected to take about four years and that NCDOT estimates the total cost at about $105 million. The town says at least two travel lanes in each direction will stay open throughout construction of all three bridges so access on and off the island is maintained, and boat traffic will continue on the waterway. The Causeway Drive bridge will be built in phases, with a new span going up just north of the existing one before traffic shifts over.
Emergency Response Planning
Changing traffic patterns raise a fair question for any homeowner: how fast will help arrive? The town has hired a public safety consultant to work with its fire and police departments, and its project page says the plan is to have fire, EMS and police stationed on each side of the project at all times. Bridge Replacement Committee chair Neal Andrew told WECT the town has gathered a five-year average of response times from different parts of the island and will compare them once the bridge closes. He noted that starting in the off-season gives the town time to adjust before summer crowds arrive.
What It Means for Owners, Renters and Buyers
If you own on the north end or Harbor Island side
Map out your new daily routes now, especially for early work commutes, school drop-offs and contractor visits. If you have work scheduled on your home this winter, let your contractors know about the closure limits so deliveries are not delayed.
If you own a rental
Update guest instructions and listing details before winter and spring bookings arrive. A clear note about the closure and the shorter Loop helps set expectations and heads off negative reviews.
If you are buying
Temporary construction can make some showings feel less convenient, but it does not change the long-term appeal of island living. Ask how a home’s daily routes are affected, budget a little extra time for showings, and keep in mind that the finished bridges are designed with wider bike and pedestrian space. Our Living in Wrightsville Beach guide covers the bigger picture.
If you are selling
Be upfront in your marketing about access during the work and highlight what stays the same: beach access, the town core and the shorter Loop. Buyers appreciate a seller who has already answered the obvious questions.
FAQ: Lees Cut Bridge Closure
When does the Lees Cut bridge close?
NCDOT’s target is 5 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2026, though the date may change depending on utility relocation progress.
Can I walk or bike across during construction?
No. NCDOT says no vehicle or pedestrian traffic will be permitted in the work zone between Pelican Drive and Lookout Harbor Way.
When will it reopen?
The new Lees Cut bridge is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
Will I still be able to get on and off the island?
Yes. The town says at least two travel lanes in each direction will remain open throughout the project.
Plan Your Next Move With Local Guidance
Construction seasons come and go, but good timing and clear information make a big difference when you buy or sell at the beach. If you are weighing a move on or near Wrightsville Beach, talk with Aspyre Collective and we will help you plan around the work and focus on what matters most for your goals.
