NCDOT seeks additional public input on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement options

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation is continuing to seek public input on two options for replacing the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Following two public hearings earlier this week, residents have until Oct. 15 to submit comments on the proposed alternatives.

People who could not attend the hearings can provide feedback through NCDOT’s project website by selecting the blue “Public Comment” box. The online form allows residents to comment on Alternatives A and B and rank the options by preference.

Alternative A would replace the existing bridge with a lift bridge that would provide 65 feet of clearance when lowered and rise to 135 feet of clearance when raised.

Alternative B would be a fixed-span bridge with 135 feet of clearance.

NCDOT Division 3 Engineer Trevor Carroll said public comments will be considered alongside engineering, safety, environmental, human impact, cost and benefit factors.

“Public comments do matter,” Carroll said. “They will be weighted just as the presentation said tonight, with sound engineering judgment, including safety, environmental and human impacts, the cost and then also the benefit as well.”

Carroll said the department takes the public feedback seriously and has not predetermined which alternative will be selected.

“So the comments that we receive are a component of that. We do take it seriously. Again, we have not already predetermined any selection,” Carroll said.

NCDOT is expected to select one of the two alternatives by the end of the year.

The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge connects Wilmington and Brunswick County and serves as a major transportation link between the two sides of the Cape Fear River.