Debate continues over Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement proposals
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There’s lots of discussion about how a replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge could impact the area.
Last month, the NCDOT released their impact report, which detailed three possibilities for replacement. But some in the Cape Fear disagree on which plan is the best for the community.
The three options include a 135-foot movable structure bridge,135-foot fixed structure bridge, or 100-foot fixed structure bridge.
The NCDOT sent the report to the US Coast Guard, who is determining whether the proposals can accommodate maritime traffic.
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie English published an opinion in the Wilmington Business Journal making the case for the 135-foot bridge. While Interim Executive Director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation Isabelle Shepherd—who also published an opinion in the journal–argues the 100-foot proposal would preserve more of Wilmington’s historic district.
“A 135-foot bridge would result in an overpass stretching above South 3rd and South 4th Streets, landing traffic on South 5th Avenue, a roadway fundamentally ill-equipped to handle that influx. Further, it would endanger entire city blocks of historic homes in Wilmington’s Downtown Historic District,” Shepherd said
By contrast, English and the Chamber of Commerce argue a 135-foot span bridge will allow for uninterrupted traffic flow, which will in turn attract more business and economic growth for the area.
But for some residents like Elizabeth O’Donnell, the choice is simple. The 135-foot proposal would see her home on 2nd St. demolished.
“I feel like I live with a black cloud over my head. I don’t know what’s happening, and no one can tell me,” O’Donnell said.
While the Coast Guard continues to asses whether a 100-foot bridge could accommodate maritime traffic, Shepherd argues the smaller bridge will still allow ships to pass.
“We are confident that a bridge of 100-feet or less would accommodate those needs, would serve our community, would provide us with new infrastructure while still respecting what makes Wilmington so special,” Shepherd noted.
For O’Donnell, she hopes to remain in her historic home.
“If they were questioning me or asking me, no I don’t want to sell my house,” O’Donnell said. “Do I want the bridge to go through my front yard or my back yard? No.”
