Historic Wilmington Foundation and Residents of Old Wilmington are advocating for a 65-135 foot lift bridge and no tolls. Please help protect Historic Wilmington by letting NCDOT and your representatives know that you support this position.
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement
The replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is an issue we've been dealing with for some time, and it's reaching a critical point. We need your help.
The Two Issues
Tolls: Whether the bridge will have a toll of nearly $3 per crossing
Design: Selection of a bridge design with the least impact to downtown, traffic, and the environment
Getting involved is as easy as 1-2-3.
1
Fill Out the NCDOT Survey: Select Option A (Lift Bridge)
Option A: A bridge similar to the current one, with two additional lanes of traffic.
Option B: A fixed bridge, 135 ft high, landing at 5th St instead of 3rd St, causing significant changes to traffic, properties, and the environment.
We're asking for your support of Option A, the lift bridge.
Tips for completing the survey
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You only need 1–2 sentences per section.
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On the Environmental Assessment, you can add:
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"The Environmental Assessment is not sufficient or appropriate for this large, impactful project. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is required."
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On Alternative A (Lift Bridge) — voice strong support (you can also oppose tolls here):
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"I strongly support Alternative A, the lift bridge, as the best of the two presented alternatives. I oppose paying for any replacement bridge with tolls."
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On Alternative B (135-ft Fixed Bridge) — voice opposition:
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"I strongly oppose Alternative B, the huge, harmful, 135 ft high fixed bridge. I oppose paying for any replacement bridge with tolls."
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Ranking your preference
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Drag Alternative A only into your preference box.
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Leave Alternative B unranked — this clearly signals that a high fixed bridge is unacceptable for our community.
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Don't forget to submit
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Scroll to the very bottom of the survey and click Submit. If you don't click this button, your response will not be recorded.
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2
Attend NCDOT's Public Input Sessions
NCDOT will present these options at two meetings — attend either one to see the plans and voice your support for the lift bridge.
📅 Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 | Wilmington
Doors open 4:30 p.m. | Hearing at 6 p.m. Cape Fear Community College, Daniels Hall 502 N. Front St., Wilmington
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 | Leland
Doors open 4:30 p.m. | Hearing at 6 p.m. Leland Cultural Arts Center 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland
3
Write Your State Representatives — No Tolls
For the bridge to have a toll, the state must pass a resolution. Please sign and send the sample letter below opposing a toll to:
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Rep. Deb Butler Contact Form
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Rep. Frank Iler Contact Form (Leland)
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Sen. Bill Rabon Contact Form
Sample letter
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch
This is a major issue for our community, and we hope you'll take these three steps to make your voice heard.