The closure on the All American Freeway to last up to two years
FORT BRAGG – A much needed improvement project that will close a critical section of the All American Freeway on Fort Bragg for up to two years is scheduled to begin July 27.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently approved a $15.5 million project to replace the 50-year-old Gruber Road bridge over the All American Freeway and make permanent repairs to a section of the freeway that has been settling and damaging the pavement and drainage systems.
The work by local contractor Highland Paving will require the All American Freeway gate, the Gruber Road interchange and the freeway on post between Gruber and Zabitosky roads to close for up to two years. The All American Gate Visitor Center, however, will remain open during construction.
Commuters to Fort Bragg are encouraged to plan ahead, expect delays and follow all posted detour signs and digital message boards. Officials with NCDOT Highway Division 6’s traffic services unit and Fort Bragg’s Department of Public Works will be monitoring conditions and adjusting traffic signals, as needed, once the detour begins.
The bridge replacement and highway pavement repairs are needed to address long-term structural and safety issues. The Gruber Road bridge is nearing the end of its service life and has weight limits restricting some heavy military equipment from crossing it. The new bridge will not have those weight restrictions.
The freeway was built over an old landfill, causing a portion of the roadway to settle. The NCDOT contractor will deploy an innovative repair process that includes removing, replacing and compacting several feet of soil.
Consolidating the work under one closure will speed up construction, lower costs, and improve safety for crews and detoured motorists.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.