RALEIGH – Following a thorough environmental review, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management has issued a Coastal Area Management Act major permit to the state Department of Transportation to construct a replacement for the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge in Dare County, and to demolish the existing bridge after the new structure is completed.

The permit was issued following a 30-day public comment period, and reviews by four federal and 10 state agencies. 

The Division of Coastal Management has worked closely with DOT and other state agencies throughout the planning and development process for this project. 

DOT plans to replace the existing 2.4-mile two-lane bridge over the Oregon Inlet and related approaches with a new 2.8-mile two-lane bridge and related approaches to the west of the existing bridge. The new bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing bridge. Construction is expected to begin in early 2013. 

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