Opinions mixed on swing-bridge replacement

There are four types of bridges under consideration to replace the Surf City Swing Bridge. They are:

• A fixed, high rise bridge, like the one that leads to North Topsail Beach
• A swing-span bridge, similar to the existing bridge, which pivots horizontally.
• A bascule bridge, or drawbridge, which may be single or double leafed and is operated by a counterweight and winch. Wrightsville Beach Bridge is the nearest bascule bridge in the area.
• A vertical-lift bridge in which the span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge.

SURF CITY - A simple question has generated a lot of controversy along Topsail Island.

The N.C. Department of Transportation and RS&H Consultants held the first citizen's informational workshop on Thursday about the replacement of the Surf City Swing Bridge.

The workshop, held from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., was attended by approximately 350 residents throughout Topsail Island and mainland areas who had confliction opinions as to whether a fixed, swing, bascule or vertical lift bridge should replace the current swing bridge leading to the heart of Surf City.

"We have come here with no preconceived idea on what type of bridge will be built - no decisions have been made," said Michele James, with NCDOT project development and environmental analysis. "Right now we want to hear from the public on the project."

Over the next few months the project team will prepare several studies to evaluate the potential impacts on Topsail Beach, Surf City, North Topsail Beach and the mainland portion of Surf City between the Intracoastal Waterway and U.S. 17.

"In the spring of 2010 there will be another workshop showing the alternatives, and again we will be asking for public feedback," James said.

Edward Allen, a resident of Topsail Beach for approximately five years, said the swing bridge was instrumental in his choosing to relocate from New York to Topsail Island and represents the character of the island. To replace it with a bridge with more lanes would only increase traffic, which he opposes.

"(The current bridge) keeps the herds out," he said.

Amanda Glynn, the division bridge and maintenance engineer said when a bridge nears the end of its useful life, maintenance is no longer a cost-effective measure, and replacement becomes the best option. In the latest federal inspection report, the swing bridge rated a 7 out of 100.

"It is still safe for the public to travel over," she emphasized. "But it has a fairly low load posting at 14 tons for a single vehicle and 18 tons for a truck ... It just doesn't meet current design standards; it meets the standards of when it was built."

A video presentation stated NCDOT's policy to replace movable bridges with fixed bridges for several reasons, including lower maintenance and operational costs. Currently there are only 13 movable bridges left in North Carolina, and only two moveable bridges - one in New Bern and the other in Elizabeth City - were replaced with another movable bridge.

Jim Langley, of Topsail Beach is in favor of a fixed, high rise bridge.

"We need it for a free flow of traffic," Langley said. "There is a bad bottleneck at the bridge right now that is really aggravating for people who come and go to work ... What if you need an ambulance and you need to get across that bridge and traffic is backed up? Minutes can save your life. I always worry about something happening when it is open and it can't be closed and you have to get off the island."

Sandy Bell, of Surf City, also favored a high-rise bridge.

"It's just that each year more and more people live here and are coming here to the beach, and I think it's a hindrance and not really practical ... I understand the quaintness, and people are resistant to change, but sometimes change opens up doors to other things," she said.

The project is scheduled to begin right-of-way acquisition in 2013, with construction beginning in 2015.

David Batts and his father Howard own several parcels of property on the island and operate a mobile home park on Little Kinston Road on the mainland near the bridge. They are concerned about losing that property, particularly if a high-rise bridge is chosen.

"This is mine and my children's future," said David Batts. "I know they won't pay me what the property is worth ... This is about our livelihoods, investments and possibly land my family  relies on."

Batts and others have requested a steering committee be created to stay involved with the project.

"We need residents' and business owners' voices in the mix, not just town council," he said.

Hap Alexander, the owner of Sears Landing Grill and Boat Docks on N.C. 210 and 50 on the mainland side, also asked for a steering committee and asked to be a part of it.

"A bridge closure, short or long term, would have a major negative impact on my business," he said.

He resides in Topsail Beach and said from the day he received the notice and questionnaire in the mail, it impacted the value of his business and his property.

"For the next six years, it will now be the overshadowing question: "What are they going to do with the bridge?" he said.

Contact Suzanne Ulbrich at 910-219-8454 or sulbrich@freedomenc.com.