NAGS HEAD, N.C. – Representatives of WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, joined officials of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and residents of the Outer Banks in celebrating the completion of the new Bonner Bridge during a community event on Feb. 9.
For six hours, residents of eastern North Carolina and visitors to the Outer Banks had the opportunity to walk and bike across the new bridge, following a brief ceremony featuring remarks by Dare County Commission chairman Bob Woodard, NCDOT Deputy Secretary for Communications, Community Outreach & Public Engagement Greer Beaty, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent Dave Hallac, and other officials.
The new, 2.8-mile-long bridge between Hatteras and Bodie islands replaces the 56-year-old Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, which will be demolished once the new bridge is open to traffic this spring. The new bridge has two traffic lanes with shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We congratulate the North Carolina Department of Transportation on the successful completion of the new Bonner Bridge,” said Brock LaForty, Carolina transportation area manager for WSP USA. ”WSP was proud to serve the department in a variety of roles over many years to reach today’s milestone event. We join our client, other members of the project team, and our neighbors in celebrating this magnificent new structure that provides a critical link in the transportation system of the Outer Banks.”
Since the 1990s, WSP has served NCDOT in a variety of planning, environmental, and inspection roles on the new bridge. The firm prepared a feasibility study, an environmental impact statement, and bridge type study for replacing the old bridge. Following the selection of a preferred alternative, WSP prepared plans, specifications and estimates for the replacement structure.
Subsequently, WSP prepared two supplemental draft environment impact statements and a final environment impact statement. The firm’s services included conceptual and preliminary design, public involvement, traffic forecasting, and community, recreational and cultural resource impact assessments. Most recently, the firm provided construction inspection services and structural monitoring of the existing Bonner Bridge during construction.
WSP is involved in other projects in North Carolina, including the design of a major airfield expansion project for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, design of express lanes on I-485 in Charlotte, design of the first segment of the completion of NC 540, and construction management of a new light rail that will serve North Carolina’s research triangle.
About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 9,500 employees in 150 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
