Site A

Bonner Bridge

×

Figure 6.11: Location of Outer Banks Sites: A. Bonner Bridge, B. Pea Island, C. Rodanthe, D. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Google Earth Map.
Credit: Google Earth

Bonner Bridge is the only road to Hatteras Island. Hatteras Island is accessible by a ferry on the south end, which runs between Hatteras and neighboring island Ocracoke. (NOTE: There is a town called Hatteras on Hatteras Island). The total population of Hatteras Island is 4,300. Its tourism industry annually produces $204 million in revenue and $19.7 million in state and local taxes. (WRAL).

Oregon Inlet is a high energy environment. The flood and ebb tides scour the pilings of Bonner Bridge, jeopardizing its structural integrity. From December 3rd- 15th, 2013 the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) closed Bonner Bridge, having determined scouring was too severe. Sediment was pumped around the pilings, and sand bags were placed around the foundation to secure the bridge.

The Herbert C. Bonner Bridge was constructed in 1963. It was scheduled to be replaced in 1993 by a 17-mile bridge that would bypass Pea Island (And eliminate the constant road construction in Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge). The plan was disputed by the local government, and a replacement bridge was not constructed. A parallel bridge plan was proposed in 2003, but this plan was challenged by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Again the bridge was not replaced. The bridge closure of 2013 raised the issue again. No construction is currently underway.

In 2012, the 17-mile bridge, Pamlico Sound Bridge, was estimated to cost $569 million, and the total cost of the parallel bridge was $451 million (See Figure 6.11). The Pamlico Sound Bridge would be farther from the high energy environment of Oregon Inlet, so a lesser risk of scouring would exist. It would also bypass Pea Island, which may result in less visitors to the Wildlife Refuge, but it would also eliminate the need to consistently rebuild that portion of Highway 12, which is frequently destroyed by hurricanes and Nor' Easters.

×

Figure 6.12: Top Panel: Route and cost of Pamlico Sound Bridge. Bottom Panel: Route and cost of parallel replacement bridge and accompanying projects
Credit: WRAL - requested permission - pending

Answer the questions below in your worksheet.

1. List the pros and cons of the 2 bridge alternatives and explain which alternative you would choose and why.
   
2. If you had a business on the island, what options would you consider and what would your long term business plan include?
   
3. Do you think it is sustainable to spend half a billion dollars to construct a bridge to access a community of 4,300 residents?
   
4. What would the consequences be if the bridge was not replaced? The neighboring island, Ocracoke, is only accessible by ferry. There are very few cars on Ocracoke. Many visitors rent golf carts, scooters, and bicycles to get around town. Do you think this could work for Hatteras Island? Why or why not?w.