Fort Bragg's Main Gate Closure: Two-Year Road Ahead

Fort Bragg's All-American Gate is set to close in mid-July for a substantial infrastructure overhaul, initiating a two-year, $15.5 million project. This endeavor, funded by Fort Bragg and overseen by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, will necessitate significant adjustments for an estimated 65,000 to 80,000 daily vehicle users. Thousands of soldiers, families, and workers will be redirected through six alternative gates.

The closure also centers on the critical replacement of the aging Gruber Road bridge, originally built in the 1970s. The new structure is designed to fully support heavy military equipment, a capability the current bridge lacks, thereby enhancing military readiness. Fort Bragg officials emphasize that maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure is paramount for both the force and the community.

Local businesses, such as Stephen Turner's 100 Grand Barbershop, may experience shifts in customer flow. Turner, a veteran himself, views the situation as an opportunity for growth, potentially hiring more veterans. He believes that investing in infrastructure boosts soldier morale, which in turn benefits the local economy. Officials advise drivers to become familiar with the new routes before the closure begins.