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Post by CorneliaGale on Dec 4, 2013 11:15:05 GMT -5
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Post by mwardncsu on Dec 4, 2013 11:25:09 GMT -5
Just saw that yesterday...... sounds like there were (slow) actions in place to replace the bridge - guess this will put it into high-gear - ferry service will be a real hassle until its done.
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Post by ranger518 on Dec 4, 2013 16:50:43 GMT -5
NCDOT is ready to build the new bridge, but is being held up by lawsuits from environmentalists. This was included in the press release about the bridge closure yesterday:
"Replacing the Bridge
For decades, NCDOT has known the Bonner Bridge stands on borrowed time and needs to be replaced. NCDOT awarded a contract to a design-build team to replace the bridge in August 2011. Design work began immediately and construction of the replacement bridge was originally set to begin in early 2013. All work is currently on hold following a series of legal challenges by the Southern Environmental law center on behalf of the Defenders of Wildlife and National Wildlife Refuge Association.
On Sept. 16, NCDOT received a favorable ruling in the federal lawsuit filed by the SELC when Judge Louise Flanagan issued a 42-page order denying all claims that NCDOT violated federal law when the department studied and selected the parallel bridge.
On Sept. 27, Judge Julian Mann III issued an order allowing NCDOT to intervene in the state action filed by the SELC against the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management for issuing a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit to NCDOT. Legal staff is working to resolve the state action as quickly as possible.
On Oct. 1, the SELC appealed the federal judge’s ruling that would allow construction to begin on the bridge replacement project. The appeal added further delay in building a parallel bridge to replace the current bridge, which is already well beyond its expected 30-year lifecycle and in constant need of repair and maintenance to keep it safe for travel.
The documents relating to the state action, as well as the federal ruling are available on the Bonner Bridge Replacement webpage.
Next Steps
Once the CAMA permit challenge and the federal appeal are resolved, NCDOT will immediately move forward with construction of the new bridge. "
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