Governor McCrory Clears Hurdles for Bonner Bridge Construction to Begin in 2016 | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     After decades of delays and court challenges, 2015 was the year that Governor Pat McCrory announced North Carolina will move forward with the Bonner Bridge Replacement Project with construction beginning in spring of 2016.

    "This breakthrough agreement will allow us to proceed with the long anticipated construction of Bonner Bridge connecting North Carolinians and visitors safely to the Outer Banks," said Governor McCrory. "This development will promote economic prosperity on our coast while protecting the quality of life and environment that we all enjoy."

    The Bonner Bridge Replacement Project will replace the existing 52-year-old bridge over Oregon Inlet and provide for long-term reliable travel between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe. The Bonner Bridge, located in Dare County, provides the only highway connection between Hatteras Island and mainland North Carolina. Bonner Bridge is a lifeline for residents and visitors to the Outer Banks and building its replacement is a historic milestone for the region and our state.
A view of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage     Click image to expand.
    "Designed for a much longer life than the original, the new Bonner Bridge will provide full access to the navigation channel through Oregon Inlet that will benefit both those who travel on it and those who head to sea passing under it," said NCDOT Secretary Nick Tennyson. "Governor McCrory made clear that finding a viable solution to replace the aging Bonner Bridge was a top priority."

    Project timeline

          •  June 2015: A major obstacle was removed when the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration reached a settlement agreement with Defenders of Wildlife and the National Wildlife Refuge Association represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Through the settlement, both federal and state Bonner Bridge related lawsuits were dismissed, allowing NCDOT to replace the aging Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over the Oregon Inlet with a new parallel bridge.

          •  December 2015: Utilities were relocated allowing the final design and the construction staging to begin.

          •  January 2016: Preconstruction activity at the bridge site is planned to begin as crews mobilize to the area, set a staging area and construct a second driveway for use by motorists.

          •  March 2016: Construction will begin as early as March/Spring 2016. (Note: Construction of the new Bonner Bridge is estimated to last at least three years.)

    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov