Ferries Plan as Bonner Bridge Debate Rages
Published October 15, 2007 by adminWhile the powers-that-be continue the ongoing heated debate as to which type of bridge should and/or will replace the aging Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, the North Carolina Ferry Division (1-800-BY-FERRY) readies itself with contingency plans in the dire event that the bridge became compromised.
Some people want a very long replacement bridge placed elsewhere while many prefer the parallel span plan, but everyone agrees that it needs to be replaced at some point in the near future.
Spanning the roiling waters of Oregon Inlet, the structure has been the only roadway connecting Hatteras Island to the main portions of the Outer Banks barrier island and subsequently to the mainland since the 1960’s when built. Prior to that time, ferries were the only way in or out of Hatteras Island for vehicular traffic.
All year, the thousands of Hatteras Island residents and business owners rely on the Bridge as a conduit to the rest of the world for basic necessities, including some utilities.
The Ferry System is traditionally the go-to entity when the bridge is not in service, a notable example occurred in 1990 when a dredge lost mooring and hit it, and folks on Hatteras need services, emergency personnel, vendors, etc.
During the tourist season, loss of the bridge would mean losses of revenue for Hatteras Island business owners as well as for Dare County. Hatteras Island tourism-related meal and occupancy revenues account for about one-fourth of the overall Dare County income according to Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau.
The Ferry System has emergency plans in place involving routes from Rodanthe and Hatteras Village to Stumpy Point, utilizing Ocracoke Island as well, with vessels carrying priority and other traffic as room allows from 5:00 am until midnight as necessary.
Thanks to all Ferry System staff for years of prompt reliable service during emergencies and for getting us to and from Hatteras, Ocracoke, Swan Quarter and Cedar Island at all times.
Terry Rush Cremia
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