The N.C. Department of Transportation has completed the long-awaited environmental assessment of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement.
The 66-page document details impacts of two potential options: Alternative A, which is a 65-foot drawbridge with a 135-foot clearance, and Alternative B, a 135-foot fixed span bridge. Alternative A’s projected cost is $1,110,700,000, while Alternative B is anticipated to cost $1,029,800,000.
NCDOT has scheduled two hearings for the public to make formal comments on the assessment.
The Wilmington hearing will take place on Monday, Sept. 14 at Daniels Hall at Cape Fear Community College. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the hearing begins at 6 p.m.
The Leland hearing will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Leland Cultural
Arts Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the hearing begins at 6 p.m.
The full document is available on NCDOT’s website. Here are four main takeaways from the environmental assessment.
Natural environment
Alternative A is anticipated to impact approximately 1.2 acres of Section 404 wetlands, while Alternative B would impact roughly 10.8 acres. Both options would require the removal of the existing bridge. Similarly, Alternative A is anticipated to impact 1.4 acres of the 100-year floodplain, while Alternative B would impact 20.8 acres.
Of the 17 federally protected fish species listed in the assessment, the project could have adverse impacts on northern long-eared bats and tricolored bats.
Footings for both designs may be placed within designated essential fish habitats. This would require consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. An in-water construction moratorium will be in effect from Feb. 15 to June 30 to protect anadromous fish, which migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn.
Both designs are anticipated to impact 2.6 acres of conservation land on Eagles Island.
Human environment
Alternative A would impact 22 parcels and require the relocation of three businesses. Alternative B would impact 63 parcels and require the relocation of two businesses and two residences. The assessment notes that coordination with affected residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the design and development phases.
The assessment states that the Dollar General located at 406 Dawson St. will be impacted by both designs.
Dram Tree Park, while located within the project area, is not anticipated to be impacted by either option.
Traffic noise is anticipated to impact 49 residences and one business under Alternative A, while Alternative B would create noise impacts for 102 residences.
Toll
While a final decision has not yet been made regarding whether the new bridge will have a toll, the assessment notes that average weekday traffic diverted to the Isabel Holmes Bridge will increase by 43% in 2030. Other routes including Interstate 140, U.S. 74, U.S. 421 and South Third Street will also see increased traffic.
However, the assessment notes that “travel time savings may make the tolled facility more appealing.” With a toll in place, U.S. 421 from the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the Isabel Holmes Bridge is expected to be over capacity by 2050 under both designs. Without a toll, no nearby streets are expected to reach capacity.
Toll rates would begin at $2 per two-axle vehicles and $6 for vehicles with three or more axles.
Construction
Travel impacts are anticipated throughout the duration of construction. Speeds will be reduced from the posted 55 mph to 45 mph. Daily lane closures will occur overnight for roads that are control access. City streets have lane closures during daylight hours.
Frequent overnight road closures and up to one weekend closure per calendar quarter are also expected.
All construction will begin away from traffic, which includes the majority of the mainline bridge. Existing bridge and roadway approaches will be demolished away from traffic once it is shifted onto the newly constructed infrastructure.
Hauling, noise, vibration, lighting and dust are also listed among construction impacts.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at dsheehan@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Four things to know from the new Cape Fear bridge replacement assessment
