Where the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project stands now

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Project is moving along in the new year.  

In October, the NCDOT asked for public input about three potential construction plans.  

After more than 700 people shared their thoughts, over the next few months the DOT will consider which bridge plan gets built.  

The three plans currently on the table include a moveable-span bridge that would raise to 135 feet tall, or one of two fixed-span bridges—one at 100 feet, and the other at 135 feet tall. 

Senior Project Manager Trace Howell says which bridge is chosen will primarily come down to a Coast Guard report examining the height requirement for boats passing underneath.  

That report is scheduled to be released in March.  

“That will help us actually make a determination along with some other factors as to what the actual alternative needs to be and we’re looking to make that selection in about September of 20-25,” Howell explained. 

During the public input period, residents expressed concerns about bike and pedestrian accommodation, and the use of tolls to cross the bridge.  

Howell says potential tolls to fund the bridge are still not fully off the table.  

“We are still actively working with our partners like the WMPO to pursue additional funding opportunities,” Howell said. 

There’s also been considerable pushback against the 135-foot bridge option because it could wipe out a block of historic homes on 2nd Street.  

One of those homeowners is Elizabeth O’Donnell, who would lose her 19th century home to make way for the new bridge’s on-ramp. 

O’Donnell says she supports the project but insists—along with the Historic Wilmington Foundation—that the 135 tall bridge is unnecessary.  

“I know we need a new bridge. I’m 100% for a new bridge. It’s the height,” O’Donnell explained. 

O’Donnell says she’s spent her life’s earnings renovating and paying off her home.   

She says if she does have to leave in the end, it won’t be willingly. 

“it’s our life you know? It is our life and I’ll be honest with you if this goes through, I don’t see me staying in Wilmington. They’ll just be too much heartache for me to stay here,” O’Donnell expressed. 

Howell notes while it’s still too early to nail down a start date for construction, once the ground is broken, the bridge will take around 5 years to construct.