Bridge project creates gap in opinions

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As the DOT begins purchasing land to replace the Topsail Island bridge, residents still have mixed feelings about it.

The 65-year-old steel truss swing bridge connects the mainland to Topsail Island. It’s an old bridge that means a lot to Surf City native Gail Specht.

“It’s kind of part of the local culture,” Specht said. “It gives the small town feel to the island.”

But it’s an old bridge that bartender Christine Carden says needs improvements.

“People are waiting hours to get onto the beach because of that bridge,” Carden said.

The DOT will start construction of this high rise replacement adjacent to the swing bridge in 2017, complete with new round-abouts and new travel times.

“I think everyone is going to come over it more,” Carden said.

“It’ll bring a lot of tourism to the Island obviously that’s good for the economy,” Specht said.

It will also get a new name. Topsail Beach Town Manager Tim Holloman says the entire island is already getting name requests.

“Angelo DePaolo is a ’93 veteran here,” Holloman said. “The citizen who brought the request would like to try to see it named in his lifetime.”

Surf City also has two name requests. All requests will have to hold out for a few more years.

“DOT said you couldn’t actually name the bridge before it’s actually finished construction,” Holloman said.

The DOT says construction that big could take 3 and a half to 4 years. It’s construction Carden wants to speed up.

“It needs to get done,” Carden said.

But construction Specht doesn’t want at all.

“The swing bridge is kind of part of the culture here,” Specht said. “I think if you want to come enjoy Topsail Island, Surf City I think you should enjoy part of our culture and take your time and enjoy the bridge.”

DOT Spokesman Brian Rick says the team will begin purchasing the land in August and then construction is scheduled for February 2017.