Starting next week, weather permitting, West Fifth Street will close over the Lumber River for almost three years to replace the bridge with a modern structure.

This is the smaller of two bridges crossing the Lumber River near the city’s center. The larger one carrying N.C. 72 (West Second Street) was replaced last year by a state Department of Transportation contractor. 

With the West Fifth Street bridge set to close on Monday, motorists will be directed onto the larger N.C. 72  bridge three blocks away. The start of this closure could be delayed a few days next week if there is inclement weather in Robeson County.

The department awarded the $6.5 million contract in November to Wilmington-based S&C Construction LLC. The company will demolish the 70-year-old bridge, which is nearing the end of its service life. The new bridge will have wider lanes, shoulders and sidewalks to better accommodate pedestrians downtown. Its railings will be taller and retain the same decorative design of the new N.C. 72 bridge.

As part of the project, the storm drainage systems and traffic signal at West Fifth Street and North Water Street will be upgraded.

All of the improvements are expected to be completed by late 2028, when the new bridge will open to traffic.