Planning on replacement for NC bridge delayed

MANTEO, N.C. — Planning for construction of a replacement bridge on North Carolina’s Outer Banks is being delayed again to allow transportation engineers to complete another environmental review.    

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported that the most recent delay to replace the 46-year-old Herbert C. Bonner Bridge stems from a decision by the state Department of Transportation to alter the plans for the current alternative. That alternative is construction of a short parallel bridge and shorter spans through Pea Island. A statement from Dare County says that proposal requires completion of an additional environmental assessment.
     
The final step in the planning review process, called a Record of Decision, was to have been released this month. It is now expected to be delayed until June.

Construction of the bridge could begin in spring 2011.

Information from: The Virginian-Pilot
     
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