JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The NCDOT says a Jacksonville highway is expected to be closed for the next week after hundreds of thousands of gallons of sewage spilled over the weekend.
City officials say the exit ramp from Highway 24 (Lejeune Boulevard) towards the Jacksonville Bypass leading to downtown Jacksonville will be closed for repairs.
Around 129,000 gallons from a broken sewer main on Hwy 24/Lejeune Blvd spilled into Scales Creek on Saturday, according to Jacksonville officials.
City crews worked throughout Saturday evening and will continue to work over the next several days to fix the issue.
NCDOT says the road is expected to reopen by next Monday, weather permitting.
Officials say they’re cleaning up the spill through methods like chlorination and slowing pumps at the Ellis Lift station.
The city asks that motorists slow down and use caution on Lejeune Boulevard to allow crews room to work.
DOT officials say drivers can also use one of these detours while crews work:
Hwy 24 West to Bell Fork Rd. to West Huff Dr., to Hwy 17 Bypass South, exit Lejeune Blvd.Hwy 24 West to Bell Fork Rd. to Hargett St. to Lejeune Blvd.
The Division of Water Resources was notified of the spill on Saturday and is reviewing the matter. For more information, contact the City of Jacksonville at 910 938-5249.
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