Bridge comments end Aug. 9

  Aug. 9 is the deadline for submitting comments on the latest preferred alternative for replacement of the Bonner Bridge. N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will be accepting online and written comments until the Aug. 9 deadline on a new plan calling for immediate replacement of the aging bridge.

  Allen Burrus, vice chairman of Dare County Board of Commissioners, outlined the importance of making public comments now. ”Replacing the Bonner Bridge is 17 years overdue. A new bridge is imperative for public safety and for maintaining a safe and reliable transportation lifeline to and from Hatteras Island.” Burrus added, ”Now is the time to submit comments before it is too late.”

  Dare County, the Federal Highway Administration and others endorses the new preferred alternative including Rep. Walter B. Jones, G.K. Butterfield, Howard Coble and senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan. N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight also supports the bridge replacement and has twice pleaded with President Obama to intervene.

  Beth Midgett, chair of the Committee to Replace the Bonner Bridge, said, ”We are asking everyone to comment before the Aug. 9 deadline. She explained, ”You do not have to be a North Carolina resident. We are all stakeholders in the Bonner Bridge. This issue impacts everyone including our residents, vacation property owners and millions of visitors from around the world.” Midgett added, ”Our children’s future depends on replacing the bridge now.”

  A direct link for making online comments to NCDOT before the Aug. 9 deadline is available at www.replacethebridgeNOW.com. Included on the website are complete instructions along with sample comments and additional information o the new preferred alternative.