If you live, own land or are house-hunting in the farm country of northwestern Pender County near Wallace, plan for a change to your daily drive. The N.C. Department of Transportation says Old Mill Road will close where it crosses Sills Creek starting Monday, Nov. 16, so crews can replace the bridge. The closure is expected to last about six months.
What NCDOT Announced
In a Nov. 9, 2026 press release, NCDOT laid out the key details:
- Where: Old Mill Road at the Sills Creek crossing in Pender County.
- When: the road closes starting Nov. 16.
- How long: about six months. The new bridge is expected to open in May, weather permitting.
- Detour: a signed detour will follow Wallace Airport Road and Willard Road so drivers can reach points on either side of the closure.
WECT also reported the closure on Nov. 9, passing along NCDOT’s reminder that drivers should be mindful of crews in the area and factor the detour into their commutes.
Who Will Notice the Closure Most
A six-month closure on a rural road matters most to the people who use it every day. That includes:
- Residents on either side of Sills Creek whose shortest route to town, work or school crosses the bridge.
- Farmers and landowners moving equipment or trucks between fields. Detours that are easy in a car can be slower with a tractor or trailer.
- Commuters heading toward Wallace, Burgaw or the I-40 corridor who normally rely on Old Mill Road.
- Anyone with deliveries or service visits, from propane and well service to contractors, who may need updated directions.
If you are one of them, now is a good time to drive the detour once at your normal commute time so you know what to expect before Nov. 16.
What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
If you are selling
A temporary road closure doesn’t change what a property is, but it can change how buyers experience it. If your home or land is near the Old Mill Road crossing, a few simple steps help:
- Give clear directions. GPS apps don’t always reflect closures right away. Include detour directions in your listing notes and showing instructions so buyers and agents don’t hit a dead end.
- Be upfront. Mention the bridge project and NCDOT’s expected May reopening. Framing it as a short-term project with a new bridge at the end is both accurate and reassuring.
- Time your photos and showings. Construction activity near a listing is temporary, but it’s worth knowing when crews are active.
If you are buying
Rural Pender County properties often come with more land and more privacy, and also more reliance on a handful of roads. While you are shopping:
- Test your real commute, including the detour, if you will be living or working on the other side of Sills Creek during construction.
- Ask about access. For any rural property, confirm how the home is reached, whether the road is state-maintained or private, and whether alternate routes exist. Our guide to buying on a private road in Pender County covers the questions to ask.
- Look at the long view. Bridge replacements are typically about keeping rural roads safe and usable for years to come. A short-term inconvenience can be part of a long-term improvement.
Helpful Resources
NCDOT points drivers to DriveNC.gov for real-time travel information, and the agency also posts updates on its social media channels. If you are new to this part of the county, these Aspyre Collective guides may help:
- Commuting from Pender County: a route guide
- Living in Atkinson, NC and Living in Currie, NC
- Buying land in Pender County: septic, wells and perc tests
Old Mill Road Closure FAQ
When does Old Mill Road close?
NCDOT says the road closes at the Sills Creek crossing starting Nov. 16, 2026.
When will it reopen?
The new bridge is expected to open in May, weather permitting, for a closure of about six months.
What is the detour?
A signed detour will use Wallace Airport Road and Willard Road to reach both sides of the closure.
Where can I check current conditions?
DriveNC.gov has real-time travel information from NCDOT.
Questions About Rural Pender County Real Estate?
From small farms to homes on acreage, our team helps buyers and sellers across Pender County understand the details that matter, including roads and access. Contact Aspyre Collective to talk through your plans.
