HB-0039: Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
HB-0039: Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties.
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)
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.
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.
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