The Bonner Bridge replacement project is on track to finish by November 2018.The construction accident that cut power to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands last month didn't interrupt progress on the bridge, according to Pablo Hernandez, the state transportation department's resident engineer in Manteo.
Hernandez said the transmission line has been moved from below the water to the air over the Oregon Inlet, where it runs along the current bridge. He said crews have to be just as careful, but in a different way.
“It just requires multiple layers of protocols and precautions so that we do not have a crane or any other materials come in contact with those lines,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said the the bridge is being worked on in several segments, with many pieces being assembled off-site.
“Because of the length and complexity of this project, we have activities going on at three different locations,” he said.
Tropical storms and winter weather are the only concerns for slowing down the bridge project, according to officials.
“Here on the coast we're always worried about the weather and for us it's going to be a tropical event or even a Noreaster,” Hernandez said. “Those can limit what our cranes can do and also certain deliveries that have to come across the bridge safely.”
