Update: Emerald Isle Bridge Rehab Project

People recognize Emerald Isle as a great place to live and visit. The community is renowned for its natural beauty and it conscientious development. Emerald Isle’s natural beauty is accentuated by the Atlantic Ocean, by beautiful broad, accessible beaches, and by the clean waters and islands in Bogue Sound. The community maintains a balance between development and the environment. The maritime forests, native vegetation and magnificent dunes dominate the skyline. The Cameron Langston Bridge across Bogue Sound, with dramatic vistas of the sound islands in their natural state, and the Emerald Drive Gateway, bordered by preserved maritime forest, announce your arrival to an exceptional place.

The bridge from Cape Carteret to Emerald Isle, Hwy 58, is named for Cameron Langston who, as a member of the N.C. Highway Commission worked tirelessly to get this bridge project approved and construction underway. He died suddenly in 1966 and the bridge was given his name for his efforts to get it going.

Back in July, we heard rumblings that NCDOT would begin repair work on the Cameron Langston bridge These rumblings were also heard in 2018 and 2016 Hurricanes Matthew and Florence dampened those earlier rumblings. In July, NCDOT installed chain link construction fence on both sides of the bridge. NCDOT also installed additional "No Parking" signs, reminding motorists that the area at the base of the bridge is a restricted Right of Way. We were alerted to let visitors and guests know that parking along the bridge, or at the base of the bridge, is suspended for the duration of the repair work.

What exactly is the repair work? There are two projects. One is repairs to the girders. This project will extend the life of the bridge for an additional 20 years. or more

The second is the installation of a two-bar railing system. The new guardrails will have a similar appearance as those on the Atlantic Beach - Morehead City Bridge.  The current concrete railings are approximately 28 inches high, and the new steel railings will extend an additional 26 inches, resulting in a total guardrail height of 54 inches. 

The repairs were originally scheduled at the end of October. Indeed, the Town of Emerald Isle Town Manager, Matt Zapp, announced that beginning the week of October 28, 2019, a lane of N.C. 58 on the Emerald Isle Bridge will close. One lane will close at 6:00 p.m. and reopen by 6:00 a.m. the following day. The other lane will remain open for traffic. This work is expected to last through next spring.

These repairs were pushed back to ensure the automated stoplights are working properly. The contractor also determined that daytime work was needed for prep work, including painting. The overnight hours are not conducive for that type of work, due to condensation settling every evening. 

So, last week, Matt Zapp sent a three-part update:

1.Beginning Nov. 12, a lane of N.C. 58 on the Emerald Isle Bridge will close. Every weekday, a lane will close beginning at 9 a.m. and reopen by 3 p.m. This work is scheduled through Nov. 22. During this time, the contractor will start drilling the bolt holes for the new two-bar rail.

2. After Thanksgiving, contract crews will return Dec. 2 and continue working on the project weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. On Dec. 6, the contractor also plans to begin weekend lane closures starting every Friday at 6 p.m. and will reopen Mondays at 6 a.m. The weekday lane closures will remain. This schedule is expected to last through next spring.

Today, Matt Zapp made another announcement regarding upcoming bridge repairs and rehab: Beginning November 12, 2019, a lane of N.C. 58 on the Emerald Isle Bridge will be closes as needed. The other lane will remain open for traffic.

So what does this have to do with real estate? Well, as I stated at the outset, the Cameron B. Langston Bridge is the gateway to Emerald Isle. And, buyers and sellers, eager to participate in the exciting real estate market in Emerald Isle and Bogue Banks need to understand that drivers traveling on the Emerald Isle Bridge should use caution and expect delays as there will be an automatic stoplight at both ends of the bridge work zone to direct traffic.

So, when you are ready to buy or sell real estate in Emerald Isle, text or call me at 919-308-2292 or send an email to: DRaczkowski@fathomrealty.com to get the latest news on the real estate market and bridge traffic and construction.

PS: The F Word will always be my favorite word (here’s why…) We are the land of the free because of the brave. Since the birth of our great nation there have always been brave men and women standing guard to protect and ensure our freedom. As we honor our military veterans today, we should be mindful to do this every day.

F is for Freedom and freedom is my favorite word.