Demolition Continues at Bonner Bridge; Jug Handle Bridge Work Progresses

With traffic now open and crews conducting finishing touches on the new Marc Basnight Bridge across Oregon Inlet, demolition on the old Bonner Bridge is well underway, per a recent video update from the NCDOT.

Shortly after beginning demolition and removing three spans from the Bonner Bridge, crews with PCL quickly opened a new and much deeper 169-foot wide navigation channel for mariners. As demolition continues, the designated navigation channel is scheduled to change location. Notifications of these changes can be found via the U.S. Coast Guard’s Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and Marine Safety Information Bulletins.

Meanwhile, crews at both the north and south ends of the old Bonner Bridge continue to dismantle the structure. Working from the top down, crews are loading the large pieces of debris onto barges that are then shipped off to various sites offshore, where the pieces are then submerged to serve a new life as artificial reefs.

Further south in Rodanthe, Phase II of the project continues as crews with Flatiron Construction are well underway with the construction of the new 2.4-mile long Jug Handle Bridge.

At the north end of the project, after having driven all the smaller pilings and having poured the caps that will support the decking, the first three spans of the bridge’s northern incline have been installed. Crews are also readying to install the larger, 54-inch diameter pilings, which will support the bridge’s transition into the sound.

At the south end of the project, crews have completed the assembly of the specially-designed trestle, and its approximate eight story tall crane system that will be used to build the new bridge and to transport heavy equipment and supplies as the project progresses over the Pamlico Sound. Crews also continue installation of the pilings and caps on the southern end of the Jug Handle Bridge, and expect to begin making their way further north and over the water in the coming months.

NCDOT urges motorists in these construction areas to stay alert, obey posted speed limits, and to watch for signs on construction information and lane closures.

Those travelling the new Basnight Bridge should expect daytime lane closures of N.C. Highway 12 Monday through Friday until June 14. One lane will remain open during these lane closures, however, motorists should allow for extra travel.

Mariners should also use caution when navigating through the area, and should watch for buoys, anchor lines and barges working on the water.

Visit http://www.ncdot.gov/nc12 for more information on the ongoing construction projects, as well as updates on area traffic information.