January 11, 2025

Alligator River Bridge Set for Major Transformation

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News Summary

The Alligator River Bridge in North Carolina is set to replace its aging swing-span structure with a modern fixed-span bridge, enhancing regional connectivity. A $450 million contract has been awarded to Skanska USA, with the project expected to commence in early 2025 and open to traffic by fall 2029. The new bridge will feature advanced engineering design, improved durability, and facilitate better access for both residents and travelers, particularly during hurricane evacuations.

Alligator River Bridge to Undergo Major Transformation in Coming Years

The Alligator River Bridge in North Carolina, a vital key to the region’s connectivity, is set for a significant upgrade as plans are underway to replace its aged swing-span structure with a modern fixed-span bridge. Originally constructed in 1960, the existing bridge has surpassed its lifespan, being classified as “structurally deficient” by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). While safety remains intact, the bridge’s reliability has come into question, prompting the decision for a much-needed facelift.

Transition to a Fixed-Span Structure

The North Carolina Board of Transportation awarded a hefty $450 million contract to Skanska USA on January 8 to bring this project to life. This ambitious endeavor has potential to revolutionize travel through this critical region, particularly as the bridge serves as a major access route to the Outer Banks from the west. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the new bridge will feature a spectacular 3.2-mile high-rise fixed-span design, offering two 12-foot travel lanes, 8-foot shoulders, and bicycle access for all visitors and residents alike.

The decision comes in light of persistent mechanical failures associated with the current swing-span bridge, which has become notorious for its closures. Between 2017 and 2021, the bridge experienced an average of five closures per year due to these issues, disrupting travelers and necessitating a bothersome 99-mile detour. The situation became critical in 2018 when the waterway was closed nine times, leaving frustrated motorists in limbo. The reliability of this gateway is particularly crucial during hurricane evacuations, as it serves as a lifeline for those needing to flee to safety.

Funding and Construction Timeline

This much-anticipated bridge project has garnered attention and support, partially funded by a generous $110 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The community eagerly awaits the start of construction, expected to commence early in 2025, with the new bridge projected to open to traffic in the fall of 2029. Following its completion, the existing swing span bridge will be demolished in the spring of 2030, marking the end of an era for this aging infrastructure.

Innovative Features of the New Bridge

The new Alligator River Bridge will also see advanced engineering and design. The fixed-height span will measure an impressive 65 feet, providing 140 feet of horizontal clearance in one channel, allowing for unhindered passage for more than 4,000 boats that traverse this waterway annually—a vital condition for maintaining regional commerce and recreational activity.

The bridge will boast a grade-separated design, featuring redundant precast, prestressed concrete girders and precast deck panels with a composite concrete deck to enhance durability and performance. Additionally, environmental planning and preliminary design phases commenced in early 2021 and reached completion in late 2022, ensuring a meticulous approach to the project.

In July 2024, geotechnical investigations were conducted, with 11 test piles driven into the riverbed at various depths to ensure a solid foundation for the impending construction.

Community Impact and Benefits

For local residents, the new Alligator River Bridge stands to alleviate long-standing issues regarding accessibility. The current maintenance work has hindered the bridge’s capacity to provide consistent connections between towns like Columbia, Manns Harbor, and Manteo, as well as access to the coveted Outer Banks. With the establishment of a modern fixed-span bridge, travelers can anticipate a smoother, uninterrupted journey—a true necessity for both everyday use and emergency evacuations.

As excitement grows for this essential infrastructure project, community members look forward to the benefits that the new Alligator River Bridge will bring. This landmark will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of travel in the area but also symbolize a commitment to modernizing transportation while respecting the historical significance of the past.