Parts of Duplin County highway to close down as crews replace drainpipes

DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Drivers should expect some traffic delays and detours along a 10-mile stretch of NC 111 in Duplin County starting today as crews work to replace several drainpipes.

The NCDOT will intermittently replace pipes at 14 locations along the highway between NC 241 in downtown Beulaville and NC 11.

NCDOT says the pipes are nearing the end of their useful life and will be replaced with larger pipes to improve storm drainage.

Crews will work on one pipe at a time, closing each section of the road from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

After replacing the pipes, the NCDOT will patch the roadway and reopen it to traffic. Crews will start near NC 241 and work northward along NC 111.

The NCDOT says they plan to complete the project by June.

People living in the area will still have access to their homes and businesses during construction, but the work site will be closed off for safety each day until work is completed for the day.

Detours will take drivers along NC 241 to Pink Hill and NC 11 to access NC 111.

Drivers are asked to be mindful of longer commutes and to be cautious near the work sites.