The bridge is nearing the end of its usable lifespan and is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. But replacing it will cost over $1 billion dollars, due in part to height minimums set by the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers.
There’s about $240 million in federal grant money available, with another $85 million from the state — but that’s still left approximately a $700 million gap — with no clear path to additional funding.
With all that in mind, the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization voted last May to authorize NCDOT to explore all available options to replace the bridge — including a deeply unpopular proposal for a toll…