Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement: What Wilmington residents need to know ahead of public hearings

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is being discussed as NCDOT considers two options to replace the aging bridge and is preparing for two public hearings in September.

The bridge is owned and maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which is leading the environmental review and determining the project’s next steps.

The City of Wilmington says NCDOT’s Environmental Assessment provides more detailed information about the proposed alternatives and their potential impacts on Wilmington.

The project could affect traffic, neighborhoods, businesses, the regional economy and the area’s historic character.

Public hearings

NCDOT will hold two public hearings on the proposed Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement:

• Sept. 14: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cape Fear Community College
• Sept. 15: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Leland Cultural Arts Center

Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed alternatives and provide feedback.

Two alternatives being considered

NCDOT is currently considering two primary alternatives. Both would replace the existing bridge, be built slightly south of the current bridge and include a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The alternatives differ in their design, height, operations and potential impacts.

Alternative A would replace the current bridge with a movable bridge. The proposed bridge would have a lower profile of about 65 feet but would continue to open to allow taller marine traffic, up to 135 feet, to pass.

Alternative B would be a 135-foot fixed-span bridge. The design would allow marine traffic to pass underneath without requiring the bridge to open.

According to the City of Wilmington, the Coast Guard adopted the 135-foot requirement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that a lower bridge could affect federal river navigation projects.

Tolling also being considered

NCDOT is considering tolling as one potential funding source for the estimated $1.1 billion project.

The Wilmington City Council has stated its opposition to tolling the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

The city says the bridge replacement could have long-term implications for Wilmington and the surrounding region, making public input an important part of the process.

Residents can review information about the alternatives, potential impacts and ways to participate before attending one of the hearings or submitting a comment.

For more information, visit the City of Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project webpage.