Governor McCrory Unveils North Third Street Bridge | Eastern North Carolina Now

Ribbon cutting ceremony held to celebrate opening of new gateway into downtown Wilmington

 Wilmington, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory joined state and local leaders, transportation officials and members of the Wilmington community to unveil the newly finished Third Street Bridge, which opened to traffic in downtown Wilmington today. On his visit, Governor McCrory called to invest more than $120 million of the projected revenue surplus in our ports, airports and in a reserve to help support a future transportation bond of more than $1 billion.

 "One of my top priorities is to improve the state's transportation infrastructure to support our economy and better connect citizens to jobs, education, healthcare and recreation," said Governor McCrory. "The completion of the Third Street Bridge will provide a welcoming gateway to the millions of residents and visitors who travel this route."

 The new Third Street Bridge replaces the original that was built in 1920. The bridge incorporates modern design standards and includes 8 ˝ foot-wide sidewalks for pedestrians and accommodates bicyclists. It features stone-faced walls, stamped sidewalks, decorative crosswalks and decorative lighting that tie-in with the recently completed North Third Street Improvement Project. The flat design of the new bridge will also enhance safety.

 "New roads and bridges are long-term investments in our state's future that will support our growth and make North Carolina more attractive to businesses and residents for generations to come," Governor McCrory said. "That's why I am calling for investments to help North Carolina prepare for growth, rather than react to it."

 Last week, Governor McCrory applauded positive news that due to strong economic growth and responsible budgeting, revenues for the current year are projected to finish $330 million above initial budget projections. Revenue projections have increased by $93 million since the previous forecast in March.

 Governor McCrory has proposed investing $68 million of that revenue surplus to support critical infrastructure at our ports and airports. He has also called for a $52.5 million investment to help support a future transportation bond reserve to further prepare for our state's growth. The governor will also continue on a fiscally responsible path by allocating an additional $23 million into the state's repair and renovations reserve.

• Contact:
•  Crystal Feldman
•  govpress@nc.gov