Bonner Bridge on the Outer Banks
A new bridge to replace the failing Bonner Bridge on the Outer Banks is running into the potential for further delays.
The 2.5 mile Bonner Bridge linking northern Outer Banks to Hatteras Island opened in 1963 and was designed to last 30 years; quick math ends the lifespan in 1993…17 years ago! Over the years, the bridge has been battered by strong currents, even stronger storms and damaging saltwater. The structure is in need of replacement, but the approval process has been slow, to say the least.
The bridge is currently rated poor, but the state has spent millions for repairs to keep the span safe until it is replaced. However, even these repairs have a lifespan that ends around 2017.
Planning for the replacement began 20 years ago, but the project has been slowed by environmental challenges, government agency disagreements, controversy about the design, and threats of lawsuits. An environmental assessment was released in May, and most people have assumed the planning marathon was nearing the end and the construction would start soon. But those assumptions are being called into question after a recent public hearing.
Transportation officials are hesitant to commit to a timeline before reviewing all of the comments on the current Environmental Assessment to determine whether there are any significant changes from the previously–approved plan. If there are changes, another supplement to the environmental plan would be required, which would then require additional public review period before recording a final decision.
Some comments submitted by environmental groups have indicated that impacts have changed significantly and that an important environmental review in the plan is flawed. This seems to lead to the potential for further environmental assessment…and more delays.
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS
If you missed the public hearings, you can still submit comments until Aug. 9.
Citizens who did not speak at the meetings but would like to provide comments can mail them to Drew Joyner, Human Environment Unit Head, NCDOT, 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598. They may also call or e-mail their comments to Drew Joyner at (919) 431-6700 or djoyner@ncdot.gov.
NCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and other agencies will review the comments received and then determine if additional environmental studies are needed.
To read the Environmental Assessment and view the project maps, visit the NCDOT Web site or the Outer Banks Task Force Web site.
