NCDOT unveils new approach that could speed up Wrightsville Beach bridge project

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation is moving forward with a new approach to the Wrightsville Beach bridge project that officials say could help shorten the construction timeline.

During a news conference Friday, NCDOT Division 3 Engineer Trevor Carroll said the department plans to use a construction manager general contractor method, an approach that has not previously been used in Division 3.

Unlike the traditional design-bid-build process, the method brings the designer and contractor into the project earlier, allowing them to work together to identify potential challenges and solutions before construction begins.

“The collaboration that we’ve had so far helps us have some level of confidence that this is achievable,” said Carroll.

Carroll says NCDOT determined the alternative delivery method was a good fit for the project.

“We consulted with our executive leadership for NCDOT; they concurred that an alternate delivery method would be a good project, that this would be a good method for this project,” said Carroll.

NCDOT is targeting completion of the bridge project by spring 2030, about two years earlier than the previous estimate.

The accelerated timeline also raises questions about how traffic could be affected if construction overlaps with the nearby Eastwood Road overpass project.

Carroll said NCDOT plans to limit lane closures associated with the Eastwood project to overnight hours. He also said the two construction areas are close to one another but do not overlap.

“For that particular project, we’re doing some utility relocations now so that step one can be to move that traffic to Drysdale extension so the through lanes can operate functionally in the existing pattern,” said Carroll.

Kyle Hanlin, executive director of the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce, said the possibility of both projects taking place at the same time remains a concern for residents and businesses.

“A lot of residents and businesses in the area are concerned not only about that project’s construction affecting their quality of life and their businesses, but also if it does happen at the same time as the Wrightsville Beach bridge replacements, that will just add even more commute time for residents for sure, people trying to access Wrightsville Beach, and obviously visitors as well,” said Hanlin.

The Town of Wrightsville Beach said it’s “proud to partner with the NCDOT as they lead the Wrightsville Beach bridge replacement project. The project is an investment in the future of our community and a critical step toward ensuring safe access to our town for residents and visitors.”

NCDOT has described both the bridge replacement and Eastwood Road overpass projects as long-term investments in the Wilmington area. Some residents, however, continue to call for additional opportunities to provide public input on the overpass project.

NCDOT will continue posting updates on both projects online.