Statement on Exploring All Options for replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in NCDOT’s Prioritization Process
[January 24, 2024] – No one wants a toll, myself included, and tolling the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge should be a last resort. The WMPO has already submitted the bridge replacement as a project without tolling, and I would like to see that as the eventual outcome. However, NCDOT officials have suggested adding a second project submission that includes a toll to see how it scores in NCDOT’s prioritization process, with no obligation to construct the bridge with a toll. While a toll should be a last resort, I have no objection to honoring that request. This bridge is aging — it was installed the year before I was born — and maintenance costs will continue to increase over time. It is critical that we replace it with a new bridge that also increases capacity.
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