News Summary
The Trump administration has allocated $110 million to support the construction of a new bridge over Alligator River, replacing the 60-year-old Lindsay C. Warren Bridge. This project, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to improve traffic flow, marine navigation, and safety in the region. The new design will incorporate enhanced features, such as wider lanes and higher guardrails. Completion is expected by 2029, facilitating better connectivity for both vehicles and boats along U.S. Route 64.
North Carolina – The Trump administration has approved a federal grant of $110 million to facilitate the construction of a new bridge over the Alligator River in North Carolina. This funding is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was enacted in late 2021, aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure.
The new bridge will replace the existing Lindsay C. Warren Bridge, which has been in service for over 60 years. Designed as a 3.2-mile fixed-span bridge, it aims to enhance both traffic flow and safety in the region. The total cost of the new bridge project is estimated to be around $450 million, with the federal grant significantly covering the expenses.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the grant in January 2023, and federal officials, including the Federal Highway Administrator and former Governor Roy Cooper, celebrated this significant funding in March 2023. The current swing-span bridge serves as a vital connection for U.S. Route 64 between Tyrrell and Dare counties but has faced numerous mechanical failures, often resulting in substantial detours for motorists.
With over 4,000 boats navigating through the current bridge each year, the new structure will also contribute to improved marine traffic, addressing the navigation challenges posed by the old bridge’s operation. It is expected to alleviate forced detours and significantly streamline both road and water traffic.
Construction of the new bridge is projected to be completed by the fall of 2029, with demolition of the old bridge scheduled to commence in spring 2030. In addition to bridge construction, the grant will assist in the installation of broadband infrastructure along U.S. Route 64, stretching from Interstate 95 in Rocky Mount to N.C. 12 on the Outer Banks, further enhancing connectivity in the region.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the approval of the grant as part of a broader announcement regarding multiple grants issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Trump administration’s review process for infrastructure projects has already seen approval for more than a third of the 3,200 Biden-era projects that were previously announced but lacked formal agreements.
Under the new project, the bridge’s design will incorporate two travel lanes, wider shoulders, higher guardrails, and a clearance of 65 feet over the navigation channel, accommodating larger vessels and improving the safety of marine travel. Additionally, the new structure will address critical needs for a designated hurricane evacuation route, meeting state standards to ensure efficient evacuations during emergency situations.
In conclusion, the Alligator River bridge project represents a significant investment in North Carolina’s infrastructure, with implications for both transportation safety and regional economic development. The support from the federal government underscores the ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance critical infrastructure systems across the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina Advances Mid-Currituck Bridge Project
Major Construction Improvements on U.S. 64 in Dare County
Skanska Awarded $450 Million Contract for Bridge Replacement
Dare County News Roundup: Property Tax Growth, Avian Flu, and Protests
New $450 Million Alligator River Bridge Construction Begins
Mid-Currituck Bridge Project Under Environmental Scrutiny
Lindsay C. Warren Bridge Replacement Project Underway in North Carolina
Construction Starts for New Alligator River Bridge
Construction Begins on New Alligator River Bridge
Construction of New Bridge Over Alligator River Progresses
Additional Resources
- News Observer: North Carolina Infrastructure Funding
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure in the United States
- Construction Dive: Outer Banks Bridge Project
- Google Search: Outer Banks Bridge Project
- Coastland Times: Mid-Currituck Bridge Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Construction
- MyFox8: Outer Banks Bridge Construction
- Google News: Outer Banks Bridge Construction
- WTKR: Alligator River Bridge Replacement
- Google Scholar: Alligator River Bridge
- Spectrum Local News: Mid-Currituck Bridge Hearing
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
