Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

[Plutonic Panda]

This bridge is scheduled to be replaced at a cost of over 450 million. It's a vertical lift bridge but could be replaced with a high arch and tolls are being talked about.

https://www.worldhighways.com/wh8/news/cape-fear-nc-bridge-replacement

[The Ghostbuster]

I have read that the western terminus of the new bridge's roadway is/was to end at the Interstate 140/US 17 western interchange. Is this accurate? Even if it is, I doubt the 140 designation will be extended.

[wdcrft63]

Here is some background from 4 years ago.

https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/01/16/preliminary-concepts-created-for-replacing-cape-fear-memorial/

[wdcrft63]

Here is some background from 4 years ago.

https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/01/16/preliminary-concepts-created-for-replacing-cape-fear-memorial/

And here are project maps from NCDOT dated April 2023.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/cape-fear-bridge-replacement-study/Pages/study-maps.aspx

[epzik8]

Is there a functional component to those pillars at each end of the bridge?

[RoadPelican]

I have read that the western terminus of the new bridge's roadway is/was to end at the Interstate 140/US 17 western interchange. Is this accurate? Even if it is, I doubt the 140 designation will be extended.

Yes, this was under a project called "Cape Fear Skyway" it would have extended the current I-140 that ends in Leland and take it around the southern edge of Leland and over the Cape Fear River and connect to Independence Blvd between Carolina Beach Road and River Road.

The project was canceled by NCDOT in 2019. Too expensive especially with all the right of way needed to be purchased on the Brunswick County side and too many other needed road projects in Wilmington.

[snowc]

I have read that the western terminus of the new bridge's roadway is/was to end at the Interstate 140/US 17 western interchange. Is this accurate? Even if it is, I doubt the 140 designation will be extended.

Yes, this was under a project called "Cape Fear Skyway" it would have extended the current I-140 that ends in Leland and take it around the southern edge of Leland and over the Cape Fear River and connect to Independence Blvd between Carolina Beach Road and River Road.

The project was canceled by NCDOT in 2019. Too expensive especially with all the right of way needed to be purchased on the Brunswick County side and too many other needed road projects in Wilmington.

And the skyway was considered going to be possibly I-740. 

[CanesFan27]

Big news in Wilmington - North Carolina receives $242 Million grant for replacement of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.  The grant should cover about half the costs.

The grant makes a new bridge one step closer to reality.  Tolls are still a possible - and NCDOT has also applied for additional grants to cover construction costs.

An updated timeline has not been made available.

Links:

https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-announces-242-million-for-replacement-of-the-cape-fear-memorial-bridge

https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/07/12/millions-awarded-to-help-fund-replacement-of-cape-fear-memorial-bridge/74381989007/

[roadman65]

Saw someone posted on Freeway Jim that they've narrowed the replacement to three options. One will be a wider lift bridge and the other two fixed crossings.

Back in July it was even said here https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Corporate-Affairs/Communications/News-articles/USDOT-announces-242M-grant-for-Cape-Fear-Memorial-Bridge-replacement
on the city webpage the importance of the project's nature.

I don't want to paste the link in case our Moderator want to be Roth weighs in with his clickbait mind.  However if someone can validate this development feel free.  Google, like always, ain't no help, and pastes old articles like Indeed posts old job listings.

[LM117]

NCDOT is holding 2 public meetings next week to discuss replacing the bridge.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-10-03-new-hanover-brunswick-cape-fear-memorial-bridge-meetings.aspx