NCDOT Conducting Additional Inspections of Bonner Bridge

Routine sonar scanning of the bridge recently identified additional scouring, or areas where sand has eroded from the support structures of the bridge. The additional scans and inspections will allow engineers to examine the area in greater detail.

At this time, the Bonner Bridge is open and safe for travel. The bridge is monitored on a regular basis, and as always, should safety ever become a concern it would be closed to traffic.

The bridge is the only way vehicles can travel directly between Hatteras Island and the mainland. If NCDOT was ever required to close it, the NC Ferry Division would provide emergency support to move people and cars. 

In the interest of being prepared for any scenario, the Ferry Division has already tested its emergency ramps at Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, and can deploy additional ferries when circumstances dictate.

NCDOT will provide updated information once the scans and inspections are complete

Read more about the history of the Bonner Bridge and challenges to building a new one.

In addition to the press release above, the NCDOT Ferry Division's Facebook page posted this today: A little more information on the Bonner Bridge situation: In an ABUNDANCE of preparation, the Ferry System has recently re-tested the ramps at both Rodanthe and Stumpy Point, and today we made a test run to check the channel between them... our first check of that channel since August.

We are NOT stationing any boats at Rodanthe or Stumpy Point at this time, nor are we ramping up operations on the emergency route. We here at the Ferry Division take our commitment to the residents and visitors on the Outer Banks very seriously, and we want to be as prepared as humanly possible in the event the need arises.

Stay tuned to the Ocracoke Current for updates!