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

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Pages/HB-0039-2026-08-13.aspx

Public Hearings for Proposed Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement - Brunswick, New Hanover Counties

Two alternatives for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project:
Option 1- a six-lane movable span
Option 2- a six-lane fixed span

[The Ghostbuster]

Option 2.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Wilmington Resolution Would Oppose NCDOT's Two Alternatives For Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement

The Wilmington (North Carolina) City Council on Tuesday, September 8, will consider a resolution formalizing the city's comments on an environmental assessment of two options NCDOT is evaluating to replace the functionally obsolete Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, WilmingtonBiz reports.

Alternative A, estimated to cost $1.11 billion, would be a movable span with 65 to 135 feet of vertical clearance. Alternative B, at $1.03 billion, would be a 135-foot fixed span.

The resolution would register opposition to both options, but emphasizes the fixed-span design would carry "'more significant adverse effects ... due to the height, size and location of on- and off-ramps which will shift the main north/south corridor through downtown...'"

It asks NCDOT to eliminate Alternative B as an option, exempt the replacement bridge from tolling, and involve city officials in the project's development. It also asks for NCDOT to essentially go back to the drawing board to find other potential solutions:

"'These options may include modernization, operation, and/or ongoing maintenance of the existing (Cape Fear Memorial Bridge), with or without the construction of an additional bridge in another location; and other operable designs, including different bridge types, those of a lesser span, and/or those reusing existing ramps and pilings,' the resolution states. 'These alternatives are also likely to prove less costly and quicker to deliver.'"

Additionally, the resolution would ask NCDOT to not select its preferred alternative until "'all activities specified within the (environmental assessment) and the Section 106 process'" are complete.

In a statement, an NCDOT spokesperson said the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) would risk losing funding that already has been allocated for the replacement if it rescinds its support for the project. To date, $85 million from the state and $242 million from the federal Bridge Investment Program are committed.

The article notes, WMPO's May 2025 vote to keep tolling active as an option for the replacement's funding included a right to withdraw support for tolling up until February 2027, a deadline set by NCDOT. Additionally, tolling of the bridge would require legislative approval.

While the city council may have reservations, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce supports the fixed-span alternative. Chamber president and CEO Natalie English said in an op-ed, "'We believe it provides the best long-term solution for moving people and goods across the Cape Fear River while preserving the river's role in our economy.'"

Following Tuesday's vote, the City Council likely will consider more detailed comments currently being drafted by city staff. The public comment period is open until October 15.

[Rothman]

"To date, $85 million from the state and $242 million from the federal Bridge Investment Program are committed."

Kind of a strange funding mix.  I wonder what types of funding "from the state" is actually referring to.