Project OverviewThe only highway crossing of the Currituck Sound along the North Carolina coast is the Wright Memorial Bridge on U.S. 158 at the southern end of Currituck County into Dare County.
The single crossing can mean increased congestion – especially during the summer – on U.S. 158 as well as N.C. 12, resulting in increased travel times between the mainland and the Outer Banks. Hurricane evacuation clearance times for those using U.S. 158 and N.C. 168 also far exceed the state-designated standard of 18 hours.
The Mid-Currituck Bridge project would create a second crossing of the sound – north of the Wright Memorial Bridge – to help alleviate congestion and improve the flow of evacuation traffic in the event of a hurricane or severe storm.
It would also provide easier access between the Outer Banks and Virginia, as well as other communities in northeastern North Carolina.
The 7-mile toll project includes a two-lane bridge that spans the Currituck Sound and connects the Currituck County mainland to the Outer Banks. It also includes a second two-lane bridge that spans Maple Swamp on the Currituck County mainland, connecting Aydlett to U.S. 158.
Project Cost
The project has an overall estimated cost of $500 million (in 2022 dollars), which includes construction, anticipated right of way and utility relocation.
The current plan of finance for the Selected Alternative includes a combination of toll revenue bonds, a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan, Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds and state matching funds.
There is not an estimated toll rate at this time.