Bonner Bridge replacement - you can help

If you have come to or left Ocracoke via Hatteras island, you have driven on the Herbert C. Bonner bridge over Oregon Inlet. You may not know that this bridge needs to be replaced. Don't panic: it's not going to fall down tomorrow (it has been verified to be safe for traffic), but it still needs to be replaced.

Now here's the surprising part, which you may not know, even if you did know about the need to replace the bridge: this is not a new development. The need to replace the bridge has been known and discussed, literally, for YEARS. Sixteen, to be exact. Why, you ask, has nothing been done? Well, there seems to be a deadlock regarding the two options for replacing the span. There has been much study and even more conversation, but no decision on how to move forward.

A group called Replace the Bridge Now has been formed to educate people about the need to replace the bridge, and encourage the decision makers to choose an option so the project can begin. They have an informative website, and have also printed bumper stickers and rack cards explaining the situation. I received an email from them today (I have pasted it below), which provides a way for you to add your voice to this cause. It is easy to help - just fill out the online form to send a letter to over 10 people, including NC Governor Mike Easley, NC Senators and Congresspeople, an NCDOT representative, and the Dare County Commisioners. You don't have to write anything, lick envelopes, or buy stamps! Please join the many voices encouraging our leaders to ensure that this project does not stall any longer.

Action alert

Thank you for your adding your voice to the chorus of those who are advocating for the immediate replacement of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet.

We need your assistance today!

A critical date for the project is nearing. On May 23, 2007, the Merger Team (which is responsible for choosing a single option for bridge replacement) meets in Raleigh North Carolina.

It is imperative that all efforts are exhausted in that meeting to reach a decision so that progress on the project is not, yet again, stalled. As you are aware, the issue of replacing the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet has been mired down for over 16 years in debate over various options despite the fact that it has outlived its expected life span by more than 14 years!

Please DO NOT DELAY! Every single voice counts! Our hopes are that locals, non-resident property owners, and visitors will send letters in overwhelming numbers to Raleigh.

Please visit the website today www.replacethebridgenow.com and click on the photo of the bridge where it says ACT NOW! to participate.

Thank you again for your assistance!