Bonner Bridge Replacement Has Begun
The Bonner Bridge replacement project has begun! The replacement of the 50-year-old Bonner Bridge between South Nags Head and Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks has finally begun. It is of course in the earliest stages but at least it has begun! Cables were moved a few weeks ago back in February. Now preliminary work has begun and preparations are evident in the area. Machinery and big equipment is being brought in with work areas located at nearby locations to the construction sites.The formal ground breaking took place last week with Gov. McCrory and other dignitaries, even Queen Elizabeth The First was present ( an actress from the local Lost Colony production on Roanoke Island).
Here is the youtube video Bonner Bridge Replacement Project Visualization put up by NCDOTcommunications. It looks likes the new bridge is going to a big one!
Here is a broad time line for major aspects of the Bonner Bridge Replacement Project
The preliminary work began in February of 2016 with the moving of the electric cables. Construction began on March 8, 2016.The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in 2018 during the month of November.
With the completion of the new bridge completed the exisiting bridge will be torn down. The demolition of the 50 year old existing bridge will take place between November of 2018 through September of 2019.
The entire project for the construction of the new bridge and the demolition of the existing bridge is scheduled to be completed in September of 2019.
The NCDOT has provided on their website these key milestones:
The first pile driven: Late March/early April 2016
The first girder set: Mid-to late July 2016
All piles driven: January 2018
Construction 50 percent complete: June/July 2017
The cost of the new 2.8 miles long Bonner Bridge is roughly $246 million.
The new bridge will be built west of the existing bridge on the Pamlico Sound side. Construction of the new bridge will start simultaneously at the south end ( the Hatteras Island side of the bridge) and the north end (the South Nags Head end) and the high rise section. When both ends and the high rise sections are completed then work will begin on connecting each segment.
Once completed the brand new Bonner Bridge will have a life span of 100 years.
Come back often for further updates and news as the project will take 2 years to complete.
