Tree removal to temporarily close US Hwy 17 lane

HAMPSTEAD – The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to close a lane of a Pender County highway to safely remove a tree.

A lane of U.S. 17 North between Dan Owen Drive and Factory Road is scheduled to close at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. NCDOT expects the removal process will take up to five hours.

The tree that is being removed was recently struck by lightning.

While a lane will remain open to traffic, drivers are urged to seek an alternate route if possible, and if not, remain alert and use caution near where crews are working.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.