A major thoroughfare through Fort Bragg is set to close this summer for resurfacing work—paving the way for smoother drives in the future but creating a rough ride for commuters in the short term, especially those in neighboring Moore County.
Starting around June 1 and lasting through August 31, Manchester Road will shut down from Morganton Road to Morrison Bridge Road for a full-depth reclamation project. While military access will remain open, civilian drivers will be required to use detour routes, many of which lead directly through already-congested areas of Moore County.
One of the most impacted corridors is N.C. Highway 690, a narrow and often overburdened road that connects U.S. 1 to Fort Bragg’s northern perimeter. With Manchester Road closed, traffic heading to and from the post is expected to increase significantly along this stretch, worsening delays and raising safety concerns for local residents.
Other suggested routes for those coming from the Southern Pines area include Morganton Road to King Road to Plank Road, or N.C. 211 to King Road to Plank Road. Northern alternatives include using U.S. 1 to N.C. 24/27 to N.C. 87, but Highway 690 remains the most direct path for many.
Fort Bragg officials say the disruption will be worth it in the long run. The project, conducted in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation through an Intergovernmental Service Agreement, is expected to bring smoother and safer driving conditions once complete. Officials say the collaboration with NCDOT has resulted in a 40 to 60 percent cost savings, allowing for more repairs to be completed more quickly.
Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes now and stay informed through Fort Bragg’s website and social media platforms.
For more information, click here to visit Fort Bragg’s website.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
