Construction of New Bridge Over Alligator River Progresses

News Summary

The N.C. Department of Transportation is advancing construction of a new bridge over Alligator River, aimed at replacing the aging Lindsay C. Warren Bridge. Despite a pause on federal funding, the project continues with the driving of concrete piles. As support grows from bipartisan leaders, this initiative is crucial for transportation and hurricane evacuation routes, anticipating completion by fall 2029.

Construction of New Bridge Over Alligator River is Underway Despite Financial Hurdles

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is making significant strides in the construction of a new bridge intended to carry U.S. 64 over the Alligator River. This ambitious project aims to replace the aging and structurally deficient Lindsay C. Warren Bridge, which has served the route for over 60 years. Despite a recent pause on federal funding from the Trump administration, the project continues to progress, showcasing the resilience and determination of the state agency.

Federal Grant Delays Pose Challenges

In a notable development, the NCDOT was awarded a substantial $110 million grant as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress in late 2021. However, this funding, which represents approximately one-quarter of the project’s projected $450 million total cost, currently sits on hold due to ongoing reviews by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). As the department reevaluates federal spending, many vital projects across North Carolina are now experiencing delays.

Nevertheless, construction has commenced, with contractors actively driving the first of hundreds of concrete piles that will support the 3.2-mile bridge linking Tyrrell and Dare counties. The hope remains that the pause on the federal grant is temporary and that funding will resume, enabling the project to continue as initially planned.

Bipartisan Support for Critical Infrastructure

This vital infrastructure initiative enjoys support from political leaders across the aisle, including Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis and former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. The new bridge is not just a matter of transportation; it serves as a critical hurricane evacuation route and will ensure reliable access to the Outer Banks region.

Improved Design and Accessibility

The existing bridge, with its swing-span design, poses several challenges, including traffic stoppages for boat passage and frequent mechanical failures. The new structure is set to rise up to 65 feet above the water channel, facilitating unobstructed passage for boats while maintaining continuous traffic flow. Its design will feature two travel lanes that are wider, alongside 8-foot shoulders, enhancing safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, the bridge’s design includes precast, prestressed concrete girders and a composite concrete deck, which promises durability and improved functionality compared to the aging infrastructure it replaces. This new fixed-height bridge will markedly enhance safety and accessibility for both vehicular traffic and non-motorized users.

Upcoming Timeline and Final Designs

The environmental planning and preliminary design phases kick-started in early 2021, wrapping up in late 2022, with final designs completed in winter 2023. In July 2024, 11 test piles were successfully driven into the riverbed, gathering essential data on soil conditions critical to the final bridge design.

Looking ahead, the anticipated opening of the new bridge is set for the fall of 2029, with plans for the demolition of the old structure to follow in the spring of 2030. This timeline highlights the NCDOT’s commitment to overseeing a well-structured transition to the new bridge, minimizing disruptions to local traffic and services.

More Projects Hang in the Balance

While the Alligator River bridge project is moving forward, many other significant infrastructure initiatives remain in limbo pending federal grant approvals. These include:

• $242 million for replacing the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
• $25 million for wildlife crossings on U.S. 64 in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
• $13.2 million for a downtown train station in Wake Forest as part of the Raleigh-to-Richmond rail project
• $1.8 million for planning to protect N.C. 12 from ocean flooding in Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

The NCDOT currently faces uncertainty regarding the status of other suspended federal grants, maintaining efforts on critical projects that underscore the importance of infrastructure investment in North Carolina.

A Vision for the Future

The ongoing construction of the new bridge over the Alligator River is a testament to North Carolina’s commitment to addressing aging infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for safe, reliable transportation. As the NCDOT navigates external financial challenges, the hope is that bipartisan support and persistent efforts will ultimately allow these crucial infrastructure projects to reach completion, improving the lives of countless residents and travelers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Construction Begins on $450 Million Outer Banks Bridge
Leadership Changes at Project Kitty Hawk Amid Challenges
Major Overhaul Coming for Lindsay C. Warren Bridge
Outer Banks Community Embraces Resilience and Sustainability
Major Infrastructure Transformation: New Bridge for Alligator River
Currituck County Advances Infrastructure Upgrades
Outer Banks Community Foundation Awards $57,500 in Grants
Highway 12: The Lifeline of the Outer Banks at Risk
Tragic Event in Kitty Hawk Leaves Community Heartbroken
The Outer Banks: A Stunning Destination Facing Environmental Challenges

Additional Resources

• The News & Observer
• Wikipedia: Bridge
• WCTI 12
• Google Search: Alligator River Bridge Project
• WNCT
• Google Scholar: Alligator River Bridge
• ENR
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Engineering