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.

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.

Project Estimated Costs:

        *Cost Estimates are preliminary and subject to change. 

Project Timeline: 

* 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

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