The last legal obstacles have been cleared to begin the process of rebuilding the Bonner Bridge.
Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the final terms have been settled between the state and environmental groups. The 52-year old Bonner Bridge spans the Oregon Inlet.
“This marks another historic milestone in finally replacing the critical lifeline bridge for residents and visitors of the Outer Banks and supporting our continued efforts to connect North Carolina,” McCrory said in a press release.
The state DOT awarded a $216 million design-build contract for the 3.5 mile-long Bonner Bridge replacement to PCL Constructors Inc. and HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas in 2011.
According to the press release, this contract is still in place and the final contract amount will be adjusted to meet current costs associated with the construction delay.
As part of the agreement, the state will also build an interim bridge over a breached inlet on Pea Island. A separate 2.5 mile-long bridge just north of Rodanthe will also be constructed. That bridge, known as a “jug handle,” is estimated to cost between $178.8 million and $197.8 million.
Construction will begin in the Spring of 2016.