NCDOT has presented 5 alternatives for the replacement of the Bonner Bridge. These alternatives have a wide range of costs associated with them, have the potential to reduce public access to Pea Island, and have the potential to result in a significant increase in your electric bill (electric company estimates 28% if they have to move the power lines from Pea Island). The alternatives are summarized below. A more complete description can be found at www.obtf.org — select OBTF DOCUMENTS.
- A bridge parallel to the current bridge with highway 12 unchanged until you approach Rohdanthe. A short bridge will be constructed in the area of the s-curves
- A bridge parallel to the current bridge with the northern end of highway moved westward. A short bridge will be constructed in the area of the s-curves.
- A bridge parallel to the current bridge with a second bridge constructed at the northern end of Pea Island. A third short bridge will be constructed in the area of the s-curves.
- A 17 mile bridge with a T type intersection with highway 12 in the Rohdanthe area.
- A 17 mile bridge with a curved intersection with highway 12 in the Rohdanthe area.
The selection criteria was given as follows:
"After comments from citizend, local government, and state and Federal regulatory and resource agencies are reviewed, the NCDOT, the FHWA, and the agencies will identify the least evironmentally damaging practicable alternative from thos studied in the SDEIS. The NCDOT will then select a preferred alternative."
The public comment period ends December 10, 2005. It is not clear whether there will be another opportunity for comment. Comments may be sent to:
Mr. Carl Goode, PE
Head, Human Environment Unit
NCDOT
1583 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1583
It is not clear whether a second comment period will be provided.