LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Two bridges that cross the Neuse River in one Eastern Carolina county will soon be replaced.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says the two bridges are on Highway 55, east of Kinston.

The bridges were built in 1937. One spans the actual river, while the other crosses over river overflow.

The DOT awarded a $15.5 million contract to ST Wooten of Wilson for the work.

Construction should begin this summer and is expected to be finished in early 2028.

The new bridges will be built adjacent to the existing spans so the DOT says traffic on Highway 55 won’t be impacted except for some occasional lane closures.