Construction begins on new Sunset Beach Bridge

English Construction Company started work on building the new bridge to the island of Sunset Beach in late February. The project is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010.

The two lane bridge will peak at 65' in height over the Intracoastal Waterway for boater access, and will tie back into the existing causeway on the island side of the current bridge. The work will create a new four-way stoplight at Shoreline and Sunset Blvd (where Bill's Seafood, Crabby Oddwater, and the Bridge Grill/Par Harbour are all located). We'll turn on to the new causeway entrance at the light, and follow it onto the bridge.

There will be five foot shoulders on either side of the two lanes for space for walkers and bikers.

The project will focus primarily on the mainland through the end of 2008. As we write, trees have been cleared from the path of the new bridge. The contractor has agreed to coordinate its work schedule to minimize lane closures along the existing causeway during the height of the islands summer tourist season.

We will be losing access to an informal boat launch on the island's side of the causeway later this year as the work progresses. The Town of Sunset Beach has been looking at available property to find a site that would be approved for an official boat ramp and parking area. Until that time comes, boaters will have to use either the ramps at Ocean Isle Beach or Little River, or services at private marinas in the area.