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Resolution Urging the North Carolina Department of Transportation to Consider Traffic Impacts Related to the Simultaneous Undertaking of the Eastwood Road Overpass Project and Bridge Replacement Projects at Wrightsville Beach
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Department: |
City Council |
Meeting Date: |
6/2/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Mayor Bill Saffo |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7815 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to request that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) closely consider traffic impacts related to the simultaneous undertaking of the Eastwood Road Overpass Project and Bridge Replacement Projects at Wrightsville Beach.
BACKGROUND:
NCDOT planning and development is presently underway on the replacement of three bridges connecting Wrightsville Beach to Wilmington (the two bridges along West Salisbury Street that cross Lees Cut and Banks Channel, as well as the South Banks Channel Bridge on Causeway Drive). These three bridges are vital to the residents of Wrightsville Beach, vacationers, and the tourism industry. Work is expected to begin in late 2026 and be completed by late 2032.
NCDOT planning and development is also presently underway on an overpass at the intersection of U.S. 17 (Military Cutoff Road) at U.S. 74 (Eastwood Road), with work expected to begin in Fall/Winter 2027 and be completed in Fall/Winter 2031.
NCDOT’s intended timeline for these projects means that multiple major active construction sites in close proximity to one another will overlap for roughly 4 years.
In a letter dated February 16, 2026, NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson acknowledged “concerns about the ability of NCDOT to manage both this project and the ongoing bridge replacement projects at Wrightsville Beach.” He states, “(w)hile both the bridge replacement projects at Wrightsville Beach and the elevation of Eastwood Road are significant projects in proximity, I am confident that NCDOT can manage any conflicts and minimize disruptions to traffic during the construction of these projects.”
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BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended by Mayor Saffo.