The community has a chance Saturday, April 9, to get a close-up look of the new Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge, which is nearing completion.
The 2.4-mile bridge over Pamlico Sound was built to bypass one of the most vulnerable sections of N.C. 12 on the Outer Banks, officials said.
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North Carolina Department of Transportation officials are hosting the Community Day to allow for people to walk, run or bike over the bridge before it opens to traffic sometime in mid-April.
“The Rodanthe Bridge is an important part of keeping N.C. 12 a reliable transportation corridor for Outer Banks residents and visitors,” said Division 1 Engineer Sterling Baker in a statement. “The Community Day will be a great opportunity for everyone to celebrate its completion.”
The day begins with the Run the Rodanthe Bridge 5-mile and 5K races at 8 a.m. April 9, a fundraiser for the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association. Only registered participants and race volunteers will be able to access the bridge during the race. Registration is closed as the races have reached their capacity.
Officials are expected to make brief remarks at the south end of the bridge at 1 p.m., followed by the bridge opening to the public for pedestrian and bicycle access until 5 p.m. For safety reasons, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not allowed on the bridge during the Community Day.
During the race, the southbound lane of N.C. 12 in Rodanthe will be closed, with traffic alternating directions in the northbound lane. Motorists in the area should expect congestion along N.C. 12 in and around Rodanthe during the day’s events and should factor it into their travel time.
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Parking for the Community Day events is to be available at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center and at the Rodanthe beach access parking lot. Parking and access at the north end of the bridge will not be available.
