The new Slash Creek Bridge in Hatteras Village opened to traffic on Thursday evening, a day ahead of its scheduled May 23 opening date.
The two-span slab bridge replaces the 68-year-old wooden structure that was closed in October 2024. Built in 1956, the original 86-foot-long bridge in the heart of Hatteras was determined to be structurally deficient in an NCDOT inspection report.
The project was originally included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in 2013, and the $4.5 million endeavor was partially funded for preliminary engineering in 2015.
Hatteras Islanders got their first look at the proposed design for the new bridge at a public meeting in November 2022. The new bridge includes two 15-foot lanes, as well as five-foot sidewalks on each side.
Beginning May 27, occasional weekday single lane closures will be needed as contractors will be completing concrete sidewalks and driveways throughout the project, as well as installing permanent lane markings and grooves on the bridge deck. No lane closures will occur on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
The final touch-up work is expected to last two weeks, weather permitting. Motorists wishing to avoid the lane closures may still use Eagle Pass Road as an alternative route.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
