The Biden Administration announced $242 million worth of grant support for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Wilmington.
The nearly half-billion-dollar project has been a contentious issue in Southeastern North Carolina for quite some time. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which opened in 1969 and carries over 70,000 cars and trucks every day, is reaching the end of its usable life according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT conducted a massive preservation project in January of this year to replace both the bridge deck and stringers to extend the bridge’s life.
“While the bridge is safe, it is in need of critical repairs,” said Chad Kimes, NCDOT division engineer. “We need to start the project now to ensure enough time to complete this work before hurricane season and the start of the busy summer season.”
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), which is made up of local elected officials across the region voted in January to consider a toll option to fund the bridge replacement. The highly controversial move at the time was explained by WMPO members as an attempt to score the project higher in replacement priority and get the bridge project on the short list to receive federal grants.
The grant funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which North Carolina Republican US Sen. Thom Tillis helped negotiate and pass into law.
“The replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical investment in Wilmington’s infrastructure and a shining example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is benefiting North Carolina. I’m grateful to city and county officials, including Mayor Saffo, the New Hanover County Commissioners, and other local officials, for their partnership in pushing for the bridge replacement.” said Tillis.
Democrat Governor Roy Cooper called the announcement a game changer.
“This major grant from the Biden Administration is a game changer for the people of Southeastern North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical lifeline for Wilmington and our economy, used every day by thousands of residents, tourists headed to the beach and truck drivers going to and from the port.”
Congressman David Rouzer who represents Wilmington in the seventh congressional district called the bridge vital for the region and the state.
“The iconic Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is vital to the Cape Fear region and the state. For almost 60 years is has been an important conduit for the movement of goods from the Port of Wilmington to the rest of the country,” said Congressman Rouzer. “This grant is a game-changer and the result of a strong, strategic, coordinated effort by local, state and federal officials to make it happen. Completion of this project will benefit this region, the state and the country for many years to come.”
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo who voted against the tolling option in January said the bridge replacement continues to be a top priority.
“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is an essential connection between Wilmington and the world, not only for residents and visitors but also the resilience of America’s supply chain and national security,” said Saffo, “Securing a fully funded bridge replacement remains a top priority for the City of Wilmington and our MPO. I have great confidence in our community, our elected representatives, and our state and federal administrations to build on this investment and deliver a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for generations to come.”
The federal grant will fund approximately half of the current $485 million estimated cost for the bridge project. The next steps and timelines have not yet been determined.