The NCDOT is planning to replace three Wrightsville Beach bridges. Here's when and where.

Your drive to the beach might not be as easy as it once was, but you have plenty of time to prepare.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is planning to replace the Wrightsville Beach bridges on U.S. 76 and U.S. 74 – the main access points on and off the island.

The NCDOT is looking to update both bridges to provide travelers a “long-term, safe, and multi-modal crossing of the Banks Channel.” The proposed project plans for each bridge include bike lanes and multi-use paths for the community to take advantage of, officials said Tuesday, Sept. 26 during a public meeting to discuss the plans.

DOT wants to replace the U.S. 76 bridge on Causeway Drive with three 11-foot lanes -- two eastbound lanes heading toward the island and one leaving the island. The plan includes a 10-foot multi-use path on the northside of the bridge and two six-foot bike lanes.

U.S. 74’s bridge plan on West Salisbury Street has similar features, including a multi-use path on the south side of the bridge and two six-foot bike lanes. The difference in U.S. 74’s bridge plan is that it will have only two, 12-foot lanes — one going in each direction, and a 12-foot multi-use path (slightly wider than the current one).

Beginning in spring 2028, the NCDOT plans to close the two bridges on U.S. 74 for the expected 24-month duration of the construction and will then proceed with construction on U.S. 76. Detours to access the island during construction will use Causeway Drive and Salisbury Street respectively. According to staff engineers, to mitigate heavy traffic during construction, a temporary traffic light will be placed off of Salisbury Street toward Causeway Drive and the possibility of widening lanes is being explored.

At the meeting, Wrightsville Beach residents raised questions not just about traffic, but also about impacts to boat access for Banks Channel, evacuation plans, and the potential need for reconstruction of private property.

“There’s no reconstruction that we’re imagining,” Kaye Baggett, NCDOT division agent, said regarding property located near the bridges.

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Lauren Haviland, NCDOT communications officer, added: “From a right-of-way standpoint, the design team is doing everything possible to minimize impacts to adjoining property owners to each bridge. Any possible impacts would not be known until project plans are complete."

While the NCDOT is working to resolve any concerns, they are encouraging input from the public regarding the early stages of the project, as there are still many years to go.

In spring 2024, the NCDOT’s environmental document that details the “natural, cultural, and human environment” impacts from the project will become available. Right-of-way acquisition will take place in spring 2026 and construction on the bridges will begin in spring 2028.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wrightsville Beach bridges on U.S. 74 and U.S. 76 to be replaced