Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement: Public comment remains open through Oct. 15

NCDOT is considering two alternatives for the $1.1 billion Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement, and residents still have time to submit feedback on the project.

Oct 9, 2026 • By Emma Dill • 3 min. read

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by WilmingtonBiz and has been reformatted for visibility and readability.

The public comment period for the proposed $1.1 billion Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement remains open through Oct. 15, giving residents additional time to weigh in on the future of the bridge.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is considering two replacement alternatives and has released an environmental assessment outlining the anticipated impacts of each option. Public comments will be included in the project record and considered as NCDOT selects a preferred alternative.

Here’s what to know about the proposed replacement, the two options under consideration and how to provide feedback.

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: NCDOT is moving through the formal review process for replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which carries more than 65,000 vehicles per day between New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
The details: Two replacement options are under consideration: a movable-span bridge and a fixed-span bridge.
Why it matters: Public comments will become part of the project record and will be considered as NCDOT selects a preferred alternative.
The more you know: Although the two September public hearings have passed, comments can still be submitted by phone, email or through NCDOT’s public input portal through Oct. 15.

Why the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge needs to be replaced

The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge was originally constructed in 1969 and carries more than 65,000 vehicles per day between New Hanover and Brunswick counties, exceeding its design capacity.

The estimated cost of replacing the bridge is $1.1 billion.

What are the two bridge replacement options?

NCDOT has identified two alternatives for replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Alternative A: A bridge with a movable span and a vertical clearance ranging from 65 feet to 135 feet over the Cape Fear River.
Alternative B: A fixed-span bridge with a 135-foot vertical clearance and “trumpet interchange improvements.”

NCDOT, working with the Federal Highway Administration, approved an environmental assessment of the project. The assessment details the anticipated impacts of the two alternatives on natural, human, environmental, physical and biological resources.

Making the assessment public began the formal review process. Public comments submitted during this process will be included in the project record and considered in the selection of a preferred alternative.

Public hearings were held in September

As part of the public review process, NCDOT scheduled two public hearings in September — one at Cape Fear Community College’s Daniels Hall in Wilmington on Sept. 14 and another at the Leland Cultural Arts Center on Sept. 15.

The hearings provided opportunities for members of the public to learn more about the proposed project, ask questions and provide verbal or written comments.

How to submit comments on the bridge replacement

The public comment period remains open through Oct. 15. Comments can be submitted by phone, email or through NCDOT’s public input portal.

Where to review the bridge plans and environmental assessment

Copies of the detailed study alternative maps and environmental assessment are available during the public comment period at:

NCDOT Division 3 Operations, 5501 Barbados Blvd., Castle Hayne
Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Office, 525 N. Fourth St., Wilmington

Copies of the environmental assessment are also available at: