Bonner Bridge Demolition 25% Complete; First Decks of Jug Handle Bridge Installed

Crews at both the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe – or Jug Handle – Bridge projects have been hard at work throughout the summer, per an August 8 video update from Dare County and NCDOT.

All work-related road closures have been temporarily halted on the newly opened bridge across Oregon Inlet until September 15, but crews are still steadily working under the bridge, putting the finishing cosmetic touches on the bridge’s footings and pilings.

Meanwhile, demolition of the old Bonner Bridge continues with crews having completed more than 25% of the project’s demolition, as well as a third of the marine-based portion of the project. As demolition continues, mariners in the area are urged to avoid the active construction zones, and use only the designated navigation zone, as there may still be various hazards in the construction areas.

Further south, construction crews at both ends of the 2.4-mile Jug Handle Bridge are steadily making their way towards the sound, as the first decks of the new bridge have been installed and poured. At the north end, with the installation of the first two spans nearly complete, crews are completing construction on the project’s one-of-a-kind gantry system, which will enable crews to move construction efforts out into the Pamlico Sound.

At the south end of the Jug Handle Bridge project, with the site’s first two spans also nearing completion and all of the site’s land-based pilings and caps installed, crews have begun driving the 150-foot long pilings that will support the new bridge’s structure, as it makes is way out into the sound.

NCDOT urges motorists in the area to stay alert, obey posted speed limits, and watch for signs regarding possible lane closures or construction information.

More information on the Bonner Bridge Replacement Project, as well as updates on the area’s traffic and travel information, can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/.