Bridge pieces arriving for N.C. 12

RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) - Pieces of a temporary bridge for the largest breach on N.C. 12 began arriving Thursday as crews continued to make progress in repairing the rest of the highway damaged by Hurricane Irene.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), repairs along N.C. 12 along Pea and Hatteras islands are estimated to cost about $10 million and will be paid for from federal emergency funds.

The plan involves the placement of a temporary, manufactured bridge across the largest breach, which is located approximately six miles south of the Bonner Bridge, on Pea Island. The remaining breaches are being filled in with sand.

NCDOT officials said the the two-lane bridge manufactured by Mabey Bridge Ltd., of Baltimore, is arriving in 30 truckloads and will be assembled on-site. Once assembled, it will span 662 feet.

Trucks carrying pieces of the bridge began leaving Baltimore Tuesday. In total, 17 trucks have arrived to the site as of Friday morning.

Officials said the bridge is made of metal and can support normal car and truck loads, although the speed limit will be reduced.

There is a similar bridge in place on U.S. 52 in Winston-Salem.