NCDOT pushes back Hampstead Bypass project lane shift due to weather

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (WECT) - The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has rescheduled the start date of a traffic shift planned in Pender County for the Hampstead Bypass project.

Starting on Friday, May 29, a portion of U.S. 17 will be permanently shifted onto newly constructed lanes. The shift was originally planned to begin on Thursday, May 28, but was rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Both southbound lanes near Leeward Lane will be shifted onto the new lanes before connecting back to U.S. 17 near Vista Lane, NCDOT said.

Northbound traffic on U.S. 17 will remain the same, and local traffic on U.S. 17 traveling to Transfer Station Road should use alternate routes.

According to NCDOT, the bypass will increase connections and improve traffic on U.S. 17. The first part of the bypass is expected to open in late 2027.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution in the area.