Cook Statement on Bonner Bridge Closure | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Senator Bill Cook (R- District 1) met with officials in the North Carolina Department of Transportation in Raleigh, Tuesday, Dec. 3. The subject of their meeting was about the closure of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over the Oregon Inlet on N.C. Hwy. 12 along the Outer Banks. Cook (far left) is shown expressing his concerns for the Hatteras Island residents that are going to have to use an emergency ferry system. He is shown talking to NCDOT Board Member Malcolm Fearing, Director of N.C. Ferry Division Harold Thomas, Division 1 Engineer Jerry Jennings and Division 1 Maintenance Engineer Sterling Baker.
NC Senator Bill Cook (far left): Above.
    The bridge was closed to protect the traveling public due to immediate safety concerns. The N.C. Department of Transportation has declared a state of emergency to allow the immediate repair of the bridge - a repair process that is already beginning. Routine sonar scanning of the bridge identified several areas where too much sand has eroded from the support structure of the bridge to provide safe transit. The N.C. Ferry Division has been directed to institute an emergency ferry route since the bridge was the only way for vehicles to travel directly between Hatteras Island and the mainland. The emergency ferry route from Stumpy Point to Rodanthe started Tuesday, Dec. 3, and will continue until the bridge is able to reopen. “This closing is devastating to the residents and business on Hatteras Island. But for the Southern Environmental Law Center’s overly protective lawsuits, this bridge could have been replaced years ago,” Senator Bill Cook said. “I’m grateful that the NCDOT caught this bridge erosion before a tragedy could have happened. I hope, in deference to this latest blow to the safety and well-being of the Hatteras Island folks that the SELC will revoke its appeal of Judge Louise Flanagan’s ruling and allow construction to begin on the bridge replacement project. The SELC should stop playing with the safety and livelihoods of the thousands of residents and visitors that travel over the Bonner Bridge.” (See Attached Photo)

    Mailing Address:

     300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 525
     Raleigh, NC 27603

    Phone: (919) 715-8293  •  Fax: (919 754-3296