WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Governor Roy Cooper’s office on July 12 announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding a $242 million grant to support the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

The funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law via a Bridge Investment Program-Large Bridge Project discretionary grant. Per Cooper’s announcement, the funding covers about half of the current estimated $485 million cost of the project.

“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical lifeline for Wilmington and our economy, used every day by thousands of residents, tourists headed to the beach and truck drivers going to and from the port. I appreciate President Biden’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding our aging infrastructure and look forward to getting this transformational project underway,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a press release.

The bridge was built back in 1969 and the proposed replacement is a high-rise, fixed-span bridge. While the bridge is in safe working condition currently following the bridge preservation project earlier this year, Cooper’s office notes that it costs $500,000 per year to maintain and is not up to modern standards.

It carries over 70,000 cars and trucks every day, and the announcement says it is projected to carry almost 100,000 vehicles daily by 2050.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo released the following statement:

“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is an essential connection between Wilmington and the world, not only for residents and visitors but also the resilience of America’s supply chain and national security. Today’s historic announcement of $242 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law toward replacing this bridge was only made possible through the shared commitment of federal, state, and local leaders.

“Securing a fully funded bridge replacement remains a top priority for the City of Wilmington and our MPO. I have great confidence in our community, our elected representatives, and our state and federal administrations to build on this investment and deliver a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for generations to come.”

“The N.C. Department of Transportation is thrilled to be a recipient of the large bridge grant from USDOT,” Chad Kimes, Division 3 Engineer with NCDOT said in a statement. “The $242 million is a large piece in paying for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, currently estimated at $485 million. The Department is working with our partners at the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization on the remaining funds.”

WECT asked the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization if the option of a toll bridge was still being considered as a way to fund the rest of the project.

“Our board went on record in the past, identifying they wanted to explore all potential funding opportunities,” WMPO’s Executive Director Mike Kozlosky said. “We will continue to work with NCDOT to identify the necessary funding to deliver this project.”

Kozlosky said the new bridge will have six lanes instead of four and will be located further South on the Cape Fear River.

New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark gave a statement as well:

“For years, we have worked alongside our federal legislators and advocated at all levels of government to secure the funding needed to replace the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. The Board has highlighted this project as one of its legislative priorities for years, working to identify appropriate state and federal resources to make it possible. We are grateful to those in Washington for making this $242 million grant possible, bringing us closer to the replacement bridge becoming a reality. This is a milestone moment for our residents and region, as the bridge is a lifeline for industry, tourism, travel, and more. We look forward to a state-of-the-art replacement that will serve our community’s needs for generations to come.”

In a news release, Senator Thom Tillis called it “welcome news for the residents of Wilmington.”

“I’m thankful to Secretary (Pete) Buttigieg for taking my call about this project and hearing why the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge was in desperate need of replacement. This was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that I’m proud to have helped author and pass into law. It’s already provided more than $10 billion to rebuild North Carolina’s infrastructure, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement is the latest project that will benefit our great state.”

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