Gribblenation

The replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a giant step closer to reality.  (Photo: Joe Babyak) Big news in Wilmington - North Carolina receives $242 Million grant for replacement of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.  The grant should cover about half the costs.  The grant makes a new bridge one step closer to reality.  Tolls are still a possible - and NCDOT has also applied for additional grants to cover construction costs. An updated timeline has not been made available.  Links: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-announces-242-million-for-replacement-of-the-cape-fear-memorial-bridge https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/07/12/millions-awarded-to-help-fund-replacement-of-cape-fear-memorial-bridge/74381989007/ https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2024/07/12/feds-awards-242m-grant-to-fund-cf-memorial-bridge-replacement/

We've been documenting some of the concerns the town of Leland, NC has had over one of the routings of the proposed Cape Fear Skyway.  The northern routing option of the highway runs the closest to the town. Leland Mayor, Walter Futch, has publicly come out against the highway.  He's stated that if the northern routing was built it would separate his town. Leland's view is contrary to Brunswick County Commissioners, who on January 19th passed a resolution in support of the northern route. The town has sent to the North Carolina Turnpike Authority 16 pages of questions in regards to the highway - from financing to routing to economic impacts.  Futch said he will not consider changing his mind until the NCTA answers the 16 page questionnaire. The questions can be found here . Story Link: Alternatives to Skyway possible, officials say ---Wilmington Star News Commentary: There are a number of worthy questions from the town - but there are also a number of quest...

Great article in the Wilmington Star-News discussing the history of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Check out the historic photos section also (73 photos in total!): Story: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20091215/ARTICLES/912159986/1004?p=1& tc =pg Photos: http://www.starnewsonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=WM& Dato =20091215& Kategori =NEWS& Lopenr =121509999&Ref=PH&Profile=1004&show=galleries

The proposed Cape Fear Skyway is at a crossroads as elected leaders in both Brunswick and New Hanover Counties debate on which is their preferred choice for the highway and bridge. At a recent meeting between the North Carolina Turnpike Authority and the Wilmington Area Transportation Advisory Committee, various leaders voiced their opinions on what route the proposed toll road should follow. Brunswick County Commissioner Bill Sue prefers a more northern route that avoids the Snee Farm and Stoney Creek communities. He views the northern route as the first proposal that avoids "...really high-priced land that represents some potentially good tax base." However, the northern route doesn't sit well with the mayor of Leland, Walter Futch. The proposed northern route would cut through the heart of his town. “It separates our town,” he said. Futch would like to state to spend some of that money on widening US 74/76 through town and to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Options fo...

This story could push the discussion of getting the 'gap funding' for the Cape Fear Skyway approved along though the next few months. A recent inspection of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge that carries US 76/421 and 7 Business over the Cape Fear River in Wilmington exposed cracks in the bridge's infrastructure. The cracks are in need of repair but NCDOT officials say drivers shouldn't be worried. The bridge will see one lane shutdowns beginning May 27th - Monday through Thursday. From 10 pm through 6 am - Monday through Thursday - the bridge will be shut down altogether. The bridge will remain open during the weekends for beach traffic. NCDOT plan on the repairs to be completed in their entirety this fall. Story: WWAY-TV HT: Joe Babyak