Bonner Bridge Update

There are two proposals on the table for the Bonner Bridge Replacement.  A short bridge which would parallel the existing bridge and the long bridge which would bypass much of the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.  The Virginia Pilot recently reported that the panel has delayed making a choice on which bridge to build. 

I spoke with John Page who is the project manager for PB Americas which is working with the Department of Transportation on the project.  He forwarded a copy of the Newsletter which presents details of the two options.   John explained that the panel did not delay the decision - but that they did not reach a consensus.  All 13 representatives from State and Federal must agree on a plan before they can move forward. 

The DOT has  endorsed the short bridge with a phased  approach of dealing with troubled areas in the future.  Environmentalists are pushing for the long bridge to bypass the refuge altogether.

John also explained that the NC DOT had a comprehensive plan for dealing with the Bonner Bridge regardless of which plan is approved.  They have allocated funds to repair and maintain the existing structure until the new bridge has been completed. 

Today is the official start of Hurricane Season and CNN had a reporter live this morning from Pea Island with the Bonner Bridge in the background.  There was some discussion about the status of the bridge but I didn't catch the whole report.  That reporter really had a tough assignment - go to a beautiful beach and report on the threat of hurricanes.  He even was forced to go on the beach and interview tourists.  Poor guy.

Back to the bridge - the chart  on the right compares the updated cost figures for both proposals.  If you would like additional information about the bridge or to sign up for a newsletter, you can contact John Page with PB. 

Comments

[Paula The Surf Mom]

I consider myself something of an Environmentalist, but building the bridge around Pea Island is just silly and a waste of money.

[David A. Porter]

Ronnie,

Thanks for stopping by my new blog the other day. I am sorry it took so long to respond.

I think I have all the kinks out of the blog and feeds now. Thanks for the subscription and I will be linking you in the new blog today as well.

All the best,

David A. Porter
President/CEO
Mortgage Broker Coaching, LLC

[BOBXNC]

What Paula said!!! Thanks for helping raise awareness on this important issue.

[cindy lee]

good information on the cost aspect. I'm in favor of the long bridge but the present bridge is not safe and needs to be replaced now. The shorter bridge makes the most since for now. if we had started this project 20 years ago when the divers first found the problems we would have saved a lot of money.