Alligator River Bridge - Click for Chartview

AICW cruising veterans have long known the decrepit Alligator River Swing Bridge (closed vertical clearance – 14 feet), will not open in high winds due to the possibility of mechanical injury to the bridge mechanism. Now, we hear this same, troublesome span may not open in heavy fog!!!

Cruisers from Maine who are used to traveling in fog should be aware that the Alligator River Bridge will not open in reduced visibility as they are afraid cars won’t see the stop lights. There are no set standards. According to the bridge tender, it is up to his discretion. I can see cars half a mile down the bridge from where I am now anchored in the middle of nowhere. With the current weather report, I could be here all day and night.
Roger Long S/V Strider

Kudos to the bridge tender. We have watched semi’s and others gun it to get across the ARB swing span after the lights have turned red. The tender is responsible for all the users, even the irresponsible ones.
Chris

Click Here To View the North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For the Alligator River Bridge