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Fate of Bonner Bridge in Outer Banks still undecided

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Monday, March 8, 2010

(Updated 7:51 am)

By
Associated Press

RODANTHE (AP) — An environmental group has written President Obama, supporting a 17-mile bridge to replace the old one that crosses Oregon Inlet.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported Sunday the Southern Environmental Law Center wrote the president last week to state its support for the $1 billion design. It would bypass N.C. 12 through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Sen. Marc Basnight wrote Obama last month, urging him to end the bureaucratic gridlock on the project that exists even though two federal agencies favor a plan to build a bridge parallel to the existing one.

The Bonner Bridge was built in 1963 and is in poor condition. State transportation officials say numerous repairs mean it is safe to cross.

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laserguidedloogie

March 8, 2010 - 8:23 am EST

Aww, but Galloping Gertie is SO much fun. Then there's the added thrill of wondering if it will collapse before you get across. You tend to get addicted to those noradrenaline rushes.

Besides, surely there is a bridge in Iraq or Uzbekistan that is more needed.

Ken

obiwon

March 8, 2010 - 9:18 am EST

Geez. How can the President think about the Bonner Bridge. He's captivated with creating jobs for the American people that are out of work and hurting. Or was that health care reform for those 32 million Americans out of 300 million that don't have health care so let's change health care for all 300 million? No, definitely jobs this week. Jobs number 1 or maybe health care reform. Gosh, so hard to decide for the Prez.. Maybe Rahm Emanuel can suggest a complete government takeover of both at one time - government jobs and government health for everyone. Yippee. Socialism finally here... thanks Democrats..

thirtywide

March 8, 2010 - 9:48 am EST

I wounder how many people would admit to voting for Obama now

hugh

March 8, 2010 - 10:04 am EST

The Bonner Bridge serves predominantly middle and upper class resort/vacation communities. The bridge isn't on the Administration's priority list.

bmckenzie

March 8, 2010 - 1:15 pm EST

What the DOT and Obama need to focus on, is replacing the I-85 bridge over theYadkin River, between Davidson and Rowan Counties. The bridge is older than the Bonner bridge and carries much more daily traffic. Average is 20 to 25 thousand vehicles per day. That's every day, not just during the summer. Apparently the DOT is quite nervous about the safety of the Yadkin River bridge. Many refuse to drive across it and instead, take the even older bridge into Spencer.
The cheapest thing to do with the Bonner bridge is to replace it with ferries. If the Bonner bridge collapsed today it wouldn't effect much of the rest of the state. If the I 85 bridge collapses, it will cripple North South traffic through NC. Collateral highways don't exist that could take up the traffic jam that would result if and when the bridge goes. If you don't believe it drive over to the Yadkin and see the bridge for yourself. Take some pictures, they could be used as evidence.