Mid-Currituck Bridge

Mid-Currituck Bridge
Major junctions
West end: US 158 in Aydlett
East end: NC 12 near Corolla
Location
Counties: Currituck
Highway system

The Mid-Currituck Bridge is a proposed 7 miles (11 km) two-lane toll bridge that will span across the Currituck Sound, connecting US 158 and NC 12. Its purpose is to alleviate summer traffic congestion and to improve both emergency response and evacuation time. Estimated at a cost of $410 million, it is programed to start construction in 2019 and be completed in four years time.

History

Plans for a bridge that connected Currituck County's mainland and outer banks has been on the drawing board since the 1970s. However, because of the high cost of project, it remained unfunded for decades. In 2008, the bridge was picked up by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority as a possible new toll route and work began on the environmental impact for the area.[1][2]

On January 19, 2012, The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was released by the N.C. Turnpike Authority. It recommended the preferred alternative for the project, which involves construction of the bridge, as well as limited improvements to existing NC 12 and US 158, estimated to cost around $660 million. With final approval expected in the spring, construction would begin in late 2012, opening to traffic in 2017.[3]

The project would include:

  • A straight two-lane bridge connecting the mainland with a northern landing on the Outer Banks;
  • Toll plaza and interchange with US 158, with two-lane bridge over Maple Swamp;
  • Reversing the center turn lane on US 158;
  • Roundabout installed on NC 12, at the bridge landing and Currituck Clubhouse Drive; and
  • Widen NC 12 to four-lane in certain areas, with left turn lanes at intersections that remain two-lane.[4]

In June, 2012, NCDOT recommended not to fund the project through 2013, anticipating possible lawsuits. As a result, the North Carolina General Assembly provided no funds, delaying the project.[5] In December, 2014, NCDOT included the bridge in its final draft in the 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). With an estimated cost of $410 million, with the state contributing $173 million, it will pay-off the remainder by toll revenue. Construction for the bridge is programed to begin in 2019 and be completed in four years.[6][2]

References

  1. ↑ "NCDOT: Mid-Currituck Bridge". Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Walker, Sam (December 4, 2014). "New road plan breathes life into Mid-Currituck Bridge project". The Outer Bank Voice (Nags Head, NC). Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Turnpike Authority Publishes Final Environmental Impact Statements for Mid-Currituck Bridge" (Press release). North Carolina Department of Transportation. January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Mid-Currituck Bridge Project" (PDF). Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  5. ↑ Robertson, Gary (July 16, 2012). "Pending North Carolina toll projects hit a roadblock". The Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  6. ↑ "NCDOT Releases Draft State Transportation Improvement Program" (Press release). North Carolina Department of Transportation. December 4, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.