Let me catch everyone up to speed...
For about a decade, "the bridge" has been an almost mythical thing. Locals and Outer Banks vacationers randomly heard that a bridge connecting the Currituck Mainland and Corolla, NC was a possibility, but thought construction was still years away. Believe it or not, we may actually be driving across the thing 3 years from now!
Needless to say the Mid-Currituck Bridge project is a HUGE undertaking. Environmental impact studies, surveys, budget haggling, and public meetings have been going on for ages. There are several reasons why the Mid-Currituck Bridge project has been deemed important by the NC Turnpike Authority:
1. To improve traffic flow on US 158 and NC 12.
2. To significantly reduce travel time between the Currituck County Mainland and the Currituck Outer Banks, which includes Corolla and the 4x4 Beaches/Carova.
3. To greatly reduce travel time in the occurrence of a storm evacuation.
The Mid-Currituck Bridge would connect the Currituck Mainland (approximate point at Aydlett Road) to Corolla (approximate point at Albacore Street). The bridge would be about 7 miles in length at an estimated cost of $659.2 million. It would substantially reduce travel time to Corolla - particularly during summer weekends and holidays when traffic volumes peak. At this time, the proposed project will include a toll. For drivers who wish to avoid the toll, the traditional route utilizing the Wright Memorial Bridge will still be available.
Sun Realty will keep you posted as plans for the Mid-Currituck Bridge continue to develop. Currently, the estimated completion date is in 2013! Until then, we'll all just continue to smile and travel north on NC 12. Fortunately, Corolla and the 4x4 Beaches/Carova are well worth the extra drive.
See you at the beach!