Highway nears reopening more than a month after Florence

PENDER CO., N.C. (WTVD) —

More than a month after Hurricane Florence devastated North Carolina, a major highway remains closed.

Water from Florence turned US-421 near Wilmington into more of a river than a road.

In addition to covering the pavement, the flood water caused significant damage to the area.

North Carolina Department of Transportation is building a temporary bridge that will allow traffic to once again use US-421.

Crews hope to open the temporary bridge this week.

After the temporary bridge is completed, NCDOT crews will begin work on a permanent bridge.