Future of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project remains uncertain
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project continues to hang in the balance.
A $242 million federal grant is on hold as the Trump administration reviews federal spending. The NCDOT has also raised the estimated project cost from $400 million to around $1 billion.
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie English supports a 135-foot fixed-span bridge—the tallest of the three options currently proposed.
She said it will accommodate larger boats in the future, which is vital for future growth.
“This one’s going to last a long time. We believe we need to be thinking way forward. Like not 10 years from now or 20 years from now, but 100 years from now,” English said.
A recent US Census Bureau Report shows Wilmington has surpassed Charlotte and Raleigh in the top ten fastest growing metros in the country. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo expects that growth to continue.
“Interstate 40 kind of changed a lot of the dynamics of Wilmington in 1990 when that interstate highway system terminated here in Wilmington,” Saffo said. “We saw the trajectory of growth go straight up and it has not stopped since.”
Some oppose the 135-foot bridge option because it would demolish a block of historic homes in downtown Wilmington. English feels it’s too early to assume how nearby homes could be impacted.
“I by no means want to be a part of them losing their property. I think it’s too soon to make those assumptions on which height bridge will impact homes the most,” she said.
As for funding, Saffo said a recent meeting with representatives in Washington went well—but the funds remain on hold.
“You know, talking to Senator Tillis, talking to Senator Budd, talking to Congressman Rouzer, they feel very confident that that money will be there for us,” Saffo said. “But there is obviously a review process with the current administration.”
He hopes the project will get started sooner, rather than later.
“Just remember, I always tell this to people: the longer the delay in building the bridge, the more the costs go up,” Saffo noted.
