Long-awaited Oak Island bridge opens for traffic

OAK ISLAND | The $36.6 million Oak Island bridge opened for traffic Saturday at 11:28 a.m., the town's mayor said Saturday in an e-mail.

The opening comes 11 months behind schedule. Still, it marks a historic moment for this Brunswick County coastal town.

The bridge, which stretches from the island to the intersection of N.C. 211 and Midway Road, is widely expected to transform the area, easing traffic congestion and increasing development.

Mayor Betty Wallace advised drivers planning to cross the new span over the Intracoastal Waterway to exercise caution because barriers are still erect on the two outside lanes. She said additional work is required before all four lanes open for traffic.

“A state trooper, an Oak Island Police vehicle and the Oak Island Fire Department (with the mayor in tow!) were the first vehicles to cross,” Wallace's message said.

– Brian Freskos