Bonner Bridge on Track to Open in Late 2018, Per April 24 Update By JOY CRIST

More than two years after its groundbreaking, the Bonner Bridge Replacement project is steadily moving towards its anticipated opening to traffic later this year.

At the north end of the project, crews have completed almost 75% of the northern approach. At the section that will be the bridge’s northern incline, crews are steadily driving the pilings and installing the caps of the support structure that will rise to meet the central navigation zone.

Meanwhile, work on and above the waters of the navigation zone continues as crews steadily construct the three remaining spans of the bridge’s high rise.

As work on and in the waters of the navigation zone progresses through May, mariners in the area should expect periodical closures of the existing marine navigation channel, and the span south of the main navigation channel, for a period lasting up to two hours, pending advanced notice from the U.S. Coast Guard and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT.) An updated list of these closures can be found at http://www.ncdot.gov/nc12.

At the southern end of the project, crews have completed installation of all land-based girders, and are working north to install the columns, caps, and girders that will connect the southern incline to the completed navigation zone structure.

Further south, on Pea Island, with the protective rock barrier installed and the old roadway removed, crews are wrapping up work on the new Capt. Richard Etheridge Bridge. Soon, crews will conduct seeding and mulching to stabilize the shoulders and ditches of the bridge, and will finish paving and traffic marking efforts later this spring.

NCDOT urges travelers in this area to stay alert, wand watch for signs on construction information and lane closures.

Those travelling along the Bonner Bridge should expect daytime lane closures Monday through Friday of N.C. Highway 12. One lane will remain open during these closures, however motorists should allow extra travel time.

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