This page is intended to provide information and accept public comment/questions on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project.

For additional information, please visit the NCDOT webpage:  

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/cape-fear-bridge-replacement/Pages/default.aspx

Project Overview

Planning and development are underway to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Wilmington. The 0.66-mile bridge carries U.S. 17/U.S. 76/U.S. 421 across the Cape Fear River between Brunswick and New Hanover counties. 

The bridge replacement would help improve traffic congestion and mobility on a corridor that connects local communities and carries trucks transporting freight to and from the Port of Wilmington. 

Built in 1969, the existing four-lane, steel vertical-lift bridge is becoming functionally obsolete (a bridge that can no longer effectively service current traffic demands). 

While the existing bridge is safe, it is reaching the end of its lifecycle and must be monitored, inspected and maintained on a more frequent basis.

Traffic delays due to repair and maintenance activities and the operation of the bridge lift cause congestion and make travel times unreliable. The existing bridge also lacks bicycle and pedestrian lanes to support other modes of transportation.​  

For additional information on the project, please visit the NCDOT webpage:  

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/cape-fear-bridge-replacement/Pages/default.aspx

Alternate Maps

Clicking on either the text or pictures below will open the map or typical section in a new window for easy viewing (zoom control) or downloading.

Alternate A

Movable Structure

65-135 foot Vertical Clearance 

 

 


Alternate A - Bridge Typical Section


Alternate A - Visualization

(Existing Bridge, to be removed, shown beside proposed bridge in visualizations)

 

Question title

Please provide any comments or questions on Alternate A.

Alternate B 

Fixed Structure

135-foot Vertical Clearance 


Alternate B

Bridge Typical Section


Alternate B

Visualization

Existing Bridge, to be removed, shown for comparison as 'ghost' in visualization on the left.

View of existing and proposed bridges from Historic District on the right.

  

Question title

Please provide any comments or questions on Alternate B.

Alternate C  

Fixed Structure

100-foot Vertical Clearance 

 

 

 


Alternate C

Bridge Typical Section

 


Alternate C - Visualization

Existing Bridge, to be removed, shown for comparison as 'ghost' in visualization on the left.

View of existing and proposed bridges from Historic District on the right.

 

Question title

Please provide any comments or questions on Alternate C.

Question title

After reviewing the information above, please rank the Alternates in your order of preference. Drag alternates into order - top to bottom

Question title

Please provide any comments or questions you may have regarding the overall project.

Project Estimated Costs:

 

Phase

Alternate A

Moveable Span

65-135-foot clearance

Alternate B

Fixed Span

135-foot clearance

 Alternate C

Fixed Span

100-foot clearance

 Right Of Way Aquisition

$       19.7 million  

$       48.6 million  

TBD  

Utilities

$         2.0 million  $         3.7 million  TBD   

Construction

$    744.2 million  $     400.6 million  TBD  

Total Cost

$    765.9 million $    452.9 million  TBD  

        *Cost Estimates are preliminary and subject to change. 

Project Timeline: 

 

Milestone

    Date*

  Alternative Selection

Spring 2025     

  Environmental Document

Summer 2025     

  Public Hearing

Summer 2025     

  Right of Way

TBD     

  Construction

TBD     

* Future dates are subject to change. 

Based on currently adopted State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Next Steps

After the comment period ends, the project team will meet to review the comments received and prepare a public comment summary, which will be posted to the project website. NCDOT will meet with local government and agenciy partners to review public comments in conjunction with subsequent technical studies to select a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative will be presented to the public for comment in a public hearing, anticipated for summer 2025.

Question title

Would you like to be added to the project email list for updates?


Comments:

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.  

All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.

To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

please submit by October 25, 2024.


The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number

or by USPS mail to the project manager listed below:

Email: CapeFearMemorialBridge@publicinput.com

Phone Number: 984-205-6615    enter project code 10626 to leave a message


 

Project Manager

Trace Howell

NCDOT Highway Division 3

5501 Barbados Boulevard

Castle Hayne, NC  28429

CapeFearMemorialBridge@publicinput.com


 

Title VI Feedback

To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?

If so, please click here https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI


 

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS 

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.  

     
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout      Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

English                                                                     Spanish