The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a pre-hearing open house and public hearing regarding the proposed replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Built in 1969, the existing four-lane, steel vertical-lift bridge is becoming functionally obsolete, meaning it can no longer effectively service current traffic demands. While the existing bridge is safe, it is reaching the end of its lifecycle.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has identified two proposed alternatives to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge:
- Alternative A is a bridge with a movable span with a proposed 65-foot to 135-foot vertical clearance over the Cape Fear River.
- Alternative B is a fixed span bridge with a 135-foot vertical clearance and trumpet interchange improvements (allows for interchange of secondary two-way streets to a multi-lane roadway with minimal traffic congestion). Alternative B will allow ships to pass underneath without any interruption to vehicular traffic on the bridge.
NCDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has approved the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA details the anticipated impacts to natural, human, environmental, physical and biological resources for the two proposed alternatives. With the EA now available to the public, the formal review period has begun. The hearings provide an opportunity for the public to make formal comments to be included in the project record. These comments will be considered in the selection of the Preferred Alternative for the project.
The public hearings are scheduled for:
Monday, Sept. 14
Doors Open at 4:30 p.m.
Formal Hearing begins at 6:00 p.m.
Cape Fear Community College (Daniels Hall)
502 N. Front Street
Wilmington, N.C. 28401
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Doors Open at 4:30 p.m.
Formal Hearing begins at 6:00 p.m.
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way
Leland, N.C. 28451
Copies of the maps showing the detailed study alternatives and the EA are available for review at the following locations throughout the public comment period.
- NCDOT – Division 3 Operations, 5501 Barbados Blvd., Castle Hayne
- Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Office, 525 N. Fourth St., Wilmington
Copies of the EA only are also available for review at the following locations:
- New Hanover County Public Library – Main Branch. 230 Grace Street, Wilmington
- Brunswick County Library – Leland Branch. 487 Village Road, Leland
- Leland Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive, Leland
The public may attend at any time during the above hours, but the presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and will be streamed live. NCDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments regarding the proposed project. The opportunity to provide verbal comments and/or submit written comments and questions will be provided. Comments can also be submitted by phone, email or at NCDOT’s public input portal until Oct. 15, 2026.
Project maps and other information can be found on the project websites: https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/cape-fear-bridge-replacement
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this public open house. Anyone requiring special services should contact Martin Gallagher at magallagher@ncdot.gov or (919)707-6069 as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.
For more information, contact Martin Gallagher with NCDOT Public Involvement at 919-707-6069; magallagher@ncdot.gov.
