The state Department of Transportation is seeking public comment until Oct. 27 on a $1.1 to $1.4 billion project to replace Bonner Bridge on the Dare County Outer Banks.
A 1,300-page Environmental Impact Study was released this week, examining social, environmental and economic impacts of the project.
DOT wants to build a new bridge for N.C. 12 over Oregon Inlet, between Hatteras and Bodie islands, west of the existing bridge. Other parts of N.C. 12 would later be elevated onto a series of bridges.
DOT plans to award a design-build contract for the first phase next year, with construction to be finished by 2014 if funds are available.
To read the environmental impact statement and review maps, photos and other documents, go to DOT’s Bonner Bridge Web site at www.ncdot.org/projects/bonnerbridgerepairs/. Copies also are available at libraries and other government offices in Dare County.
Send comments on the environmental document to NCDOT engineer Beth Smyre at 919-733-7844, ext. 333, or bsmyre@ncdot.gov.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the