WILMINGTON – Following public feedback, the N.C. Department of Transportation has revised the proposed Alternative B to minimize impacts of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement.
On Sept. 14 and 15, NCDOT held two public hearings regarding the proposed Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. The department presented the following alternatives:
- Alternative A is a bridge with a movable span with a proposed 65-foot to 135-foot vertical clearance over the Cape Fear River.
- Alternative B is a fixed span bridge with a 135-foot vertical clearance and trumpet interchange improvements.
Following the public hearings and after reviewing public comments, NCDOT revised Alternative B to minimize impacts to the historic district, which addresses many of the concerns from the community.
Revised Alternative B will maintain the 135-foot fixed span bridge while eliminating a significant amount of the impacts to downtown Wilmington using a large loop design that will provide access to Third Street. The original Alternative B design, which tied in at Fifth Avenue, is no longer being considered.
“We are listening closely to the comments and concerns shared by community members, and that feedback is helping shape the bridge replacement project. Our goal is to deliver a safe, resilient and reliable crossing that addresses the needs of this region for years to come,” said NCDOT Division Engineer Trevor Carroll.
NCDOT is seeking additional public comment on Alternative A and Revised Alternative B as shown in an updated map, renderings, and addendum to the Environmental Assessment. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 4, 2026, via email, phone, or through the project webpage
Visit the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement project webpage for more information and to submit a comment.