For some of us older Waterway cruisers, the continuing replacement of swing, bascule, lift and pontoon bridges with high rise fixed spans is a loss of history. On our family voyages, each bridge we encountered was an experience – an opportunity to deal with current, with timing, and to communicate with an unknown, often unseen Waterway tender serving boaters with their own personalities and special ways. I know it’s progress, but it is also a sterilization process, like old mom and pop shops being replaced by malls. And, like malls, once you have seen a high rise bridge, you have seen them all. Thanks to Tom Beaty for submitting this notice from wral.com. See also /157769

NCDOT approves funding to replace Surf City swing bridge

SURF CITY, N.C. — The days are numbered for the iconic swing bridge connecting Topsail Island and the mainland at Surf City on the North Carolina coast.

Media outlets report that the state Department of Transportation has approved a $53 million low bid from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure of Wilmington to replace the bridge with a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge.

The new bridge will also have a path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The old swing bridge has been in operation for more than 60 years.

Construction on the new bridge could start as early as this fall and the new span should be open in 2020.

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Surf City Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Surf City Bridge