Getting AroundThursday, November 5
NCDOT revised its 135-foot Cape Fear Memorial Bridge design and is taking comments through Dec. 4
The 5AM Leland team
If you cross the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, you have a new design to weigh in on. NCDOT revised Alternative B, the 135-foot fixed-span option, so a large loop ramp would land traffic on South Third Street instead of Fifth Avenue. The original 135-foot design is no longer being considered, Port City Daily reports. NCDOT is currently considering Alternative A and the revised Alternative B, and WECT covers the updated Alternative B.
The revised Alternative B affects fewer parcels and costs a bit less
| Original Alternative B | Measure | Revised Alternative B |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | Parcels affected | 17 |
| $1.03 billion | Estimated cost | $1.02 billion |
Source: Port City Daily
- Comments due Dec. 4
- Alternative A: movable span, 65 to 135 feet of clearance
- Cost: $1.02 billion, per NCDOT estimates
- Funding so far: $242 million federal, $85 million state
Paying for it is the open question. The legislature would have to approve tolling legislation for an existing road. WWAY covers the revised plan, and WHQR notes NCDOT is not currently considering Wilmington's suggested alternatives.
NCDOT is weighing two bridge designs as comments stay open to Dec. 4
- Sept. 14State officials present the initial concepts at hearings Sept. 14 and 15.
- Nov. 4NCDOT unveils the revised Alternative B and opens public comments.
- Dec. 4The public comment period closes.
- FebruaryThe legislature would need to approve tolling of an existing roadway, Carroll said.
- Early 2027NCDOT intends to choose a design.
- Sept. 2027The $242 million federal grant must be obligated.
Sources: Port City Daily, WECT, WilmingtonBiz
Sources: Port City Daily, WECT, WilmingtonBiz, WWAYTV3, WHQR