WMPO passes resolution supporting NCDOT efforts for Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Friday, November 3rd, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or WMPO, submitted and passed a resolution supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation application to the U.S. Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program.

If the application is accepted, a federal grant would be given out, which could cover up to 50 percent of the construction costs for a replacement to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Caitlin Melvin is the deputy division engineer for Division 3, which covers New Hanover County.

“So the current estimates are showing $400 million for the bridge which is quite a large chunk of money,” Melvin said. “So that’s one of the challenges with this project is how can we get all of the funding that we need for this much-needed bridge replacement. So we have been working over the past several years since that feasibility study has started on different ways that we can piece together money.”

Abby Lorenzo is the deputy director of the WMPO. She said they will continue supporting any effort to get a replacement bridge built.

“Today’s action by the WMPO Board is consistent with their identification of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge as their top unfunded priority here in our region,” Lorenzo said. “As I mentioned previously, we continue to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, evaluating options for how to fund this bridge replacement.”

Melvin says the NCDOT won’t know whether they’ve been given the grant until early Spring of 2024 at the earliest.