Old Manns Harbor Bridge speed limits to be reduced to 45 mph during bridge preservation project
The speed limit on the U.S. 64 William B. Umstead Bridge (locally known as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge) will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph as early as March 18 as crews continue a $33 million bridge preservation project on the 69-year-old structure.
In the coming weeks, workers will begin replacing the bridge’s aging expansion joints and installing steel plates on the bridge deck. Because of this, lower speeds are necessary for safety and to maintain traffic flow while the bridge remains open.
In May, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for at least six months as the preservation project enters its next phase.
Drivers traveling between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island can use the Virginia Dare Bridge as an alternate route.
The bridge project is not expected to impact the purple martins that nest in the bridge during July and August, as work will not occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during nesting season.
The project is expected to be complete in late 2026, at which point the speed limit will return to 55 mph.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
