How Will New Bonner Bridge Construction Affect Outer Banks Traffic
Outer Banks traffic can be a headache during the busy summer months on the North Carolina coast. If you have ever been to the Outer Banks during the busy summer vacation season you know traffic can be a problem. Crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge on the weekend can take a while with all the vacationers headed to the beach. US 158 through Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head can also be very busy during the summer months with cars bumper to bumper at this four lane highway. And Highway 12 from South Nags Head toward the Bonner Bridge and on to Hatteras Island can be bumper to bumper during those peak vacation weeks at the Outer Banks. So now with the construction of the new bridge that will replace the existing Bonner Bridge, how will that affect traffic? The construction project will take two years to complete. The NCDOT has provided some information for the public what to expect.
Here is the information from the NCDOT Bonner Bridge Replacement Project site informing the public about how traffic will be affected. Good information to know before heading to the Outer Banks for the next couple of years.
What to Expect During Construction
- Daytime lane closures should be expected on N.C. 12 Mondays, beginning at 7 a.m., through Fridays at 3 p.m., until June 13.
- Daytime lane closures are not allowed June 14 to September 14; however, nighttime lane closures are allowed Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning.
- One lane will remain open during lane closures; however, motorists should allow extra travel time. The open travel lane will not have any width restrictions for emergency vehicles.
- Short, nighttime road closures for up to 30 minutes for deliveries may be needed. Advance notice will be given in these situations.
- Lane closures also are restricted on certain days around holiday travel.
- NCDOT is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the local boating community to keep them informed of construction activities and potential impacts to the navigation span at the existing bridge. Any impacts to navigation will be to ensure the safety of boaters and will be for short periods of time.
