The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has officially begun construction on a new bridge to carry U.S. Route 64 over the Alligator River, a connector between Tyrrell and Dare counties.
Despite funding hurdles at the federal level, work is progressing, with contractors beginning to drive the first of hundreds of concrete piles that will support the structure.
The new bridge, spanning 3.2 miles, will replace the existing two-lane Lindsay C. Warren Bridge, which has been in use for over 60 years. The current bridge’s swing-span causes frequent traffic delays when it undergoes repairs or opens to allow boats to pass.
In contrast, the new design will rise 65 feet above the channel, eliminating the need for a moveable section and ensuring smoother traffic flow.
The project, with an estimated cost of $450 million, is partially supported by a $110 million federal grant awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). While the grant’s funding has been temporarily paused, NCDOT said it remains optimistic that it will be reinstated.
Construction is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2029, with demolition of the existing bridge beginning the following spring. This long-awaited improvement aims to enhance safety, reliability and connectivity for residents and visitors alike, according to NCDOT.
Source: Raleigh News and Observer, North Carolina Department of Transportation
