Following years of delays and court challenges, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory announced on Tuesday that North Carolina will move forward on the Bonner Bridge Replacement Project.
Construction on the project, which will replace the existing 52-year-old bridge over Oregon Inlet, is expected to begin this spring. The new bridge will also allow for long-term, reliable travel between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe.
“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,” McCrory said. “This development will promote economic prosperity on our coast while protecting the quality of life and environment that we all enjoy.”
Located in Dare County, the Bonner Bridge is the only highway connection between mainland North Carolina and Hatteras Island. It serves as a lifeline for Outer Banks residents and visitors.
“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,” NCDOT Secretary Nick Tennyson said. “Governor McCrory made clear that finding a viable solution to replace the aging Bonner Bridge was a top priority.”