Description

NCDOT is proposing to replace the existing bascule bridge with a 65-foot fixed span bridge and widen US Highway 70 to 4-lanes with a median on new location.

The primary purpose of the proposed project is to increase the traffic carrying capacity of US Highway 70 and eliminate delays to vehicular traffic due to bridge openings.

News and Updates

• Permits have already been obtained from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and the North Carolina Division of Water Quality.
• NCDOT is currently in negotiations with the US Coast Guard (USCG) regarding the navigational waters permit. Additional data was requested regarding navigational needs in this area was submitted to the USCG in December 2012.
• Upon request from local citizens, NCDOT modified access to the Shell Landing subdivision to allow ingress and egress onto Live Oak Street instead of the new Highway 70 bypass.
• Resolutions have recently been received from the Carteret County Economic Development Commission and the Down East Rural Planning Organization (DERPO) in favor of the 65-foot fixed span bridge.

Project Highlights

• The existing drawbridge will be replaced on new alignment with a 65-foot fixed span bridge.
• US Highway 70 will be relocated out of downtown Beaufort on new location.
• The existing culverts under Turner Street will be replaced with a bridge. Sidewalks along both sides of Turner Street will connect downtown Beaufort to the new US Highway 70.
• The Carteret County Transportation Committee has developed a website to provide the public with facts, documentation, history, and updates on this project. This website can be viewed at http://www.beaufortbridgefacts.org.

Contact Information

Resources for Local Property Owners

In many cases, it is inevitable that a certain amount of private property must be acquired. The displacement of homes and businesses is minimized to the extent practicable. The following brochures will answer questions about this process.