PLYMOUTH – A vital link between Bertie and Washington counties is back in service.

The N.C. Department of Transportation reopened the bridge shortly after 12 noon today (Friday) on N.C. 45 over Conaby Creek north of Plymouth in Washington County. The bridge is located just south of the ThreeRiversBridge at the Bertie-Washington County line.

The bridge was immediately closed to traffic on Jan. 7 after an inspection determined emergency repairs needed to be made. Repairs have now been made.

However, DOT officials announced that in order to complete final tasks on the work, such as painting, daytime lane closures will be in place next week on the bridge starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, and ending no later than Friday, Jan. 23, weather permitting. The bridge will remain open and work is expected to have minimal impact to traffic.

Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area 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.