PLYMOUTH – A major thoroughfare connecting Bertie County to Washington County was closed Wednesday afternoon due to emergency repairs on a bridge near Plymouth.

According to information sent via email by the N.C. Department of Transportation, at this time there is no estimated timeframe for re-opening the bridge to traffic.

The bridge, which was constructed in 1967 and is located just south of the Three Rivers Bridge at the Bertie-Washington County line, spans Conaby Creek north of Plymouth.

NC DOT performed an inspection of the bridge and determined that it should be closed to traffic immediately while crews make emergency repairs to the structure. Plans are currently being developed for the necessary work.

Due to the number of students from the Washington County area who attend Lawrence Academy, located off NC 45 in Merry Hill (Bertie County), school officials decided late Wednesday afternoon to cancel all classes on Thursday. It is not known at this time of Lawrence’s class schedule moving forward if the bridge is closed for any extended period of time.

A signed detour is currently being established. Traffic on U.S. 17 that would normally take N.C. 45 south to Plymouth will now continue on U.S. 17 through Windsor and turn left on U.S. 64 in Williamston towards Plymouth.

Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area, seek alternate routes and to expect delays. NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

For real-time travel information at any time, visit the Travel section of the NCDOT website, call 511, or follow NCDOT on Twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website.