Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Submitted Story on March 27, 2025
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM) will hold a public hearing on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Currituck Extension Center located at 120 Community Way, Barco, to hear public comment on North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s (NCTA) Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) application for the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge project.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM) will hold a public hearing on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Currituck Extension Center located at 120 Community Way, Barco, to hear public comment on North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s (NCTA) Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) application for the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge project.
NCDEQ gave notice as required by GS 113A-119(b) in Feb. 2025 that NCDOT’s application for a CAMA permit was received complete on January 7, 2025, for the Mid-Currituck Bridge Project (TIP No. R-2576) over Currituck Sound from Aydlett to south of Corolla, and related existing roadway improvements in Currituck and Dare Counties. DCM held a previous public hearing in Dare County on March 18. NCDOT’s CAMA application may be examined at the DCM office at 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City during normal business hours or online.
Public Hearing Details
When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 5-7 p.m. (in-person only)
Where: Currituck Extension Center
120 Community Way, Barco
Register: Speaker registration opens at 4 p.m. onsite via sign-in sheet.
The public is invited to submit comments in writing or at the hearing. Speaker time may be limited at the discretion of the hearing officer depending on the number of registered speakers.
Comment period extended: April 30, 2025
Comments may be mailed to Tancred Miller, Director, Division of Coastal Management, 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, NC 28557 or emailed to DCMcomments@deq.nc.gov. Please put “Mid-Currituck CAMA application” in the subject line.
All comments will be considered in making the final permit decision. Notice of the permit decision in this matter will be provided upon written request.
Comments
Angela Smith
I am writing to express my strong support for the construction of the Mid-Currituck Bridge. As a resident of the Outer Banks, I believe this project offers numerous benefits that would greatly enhance the quality of life for full-time residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.
One of the most critical advantages of the bridge is the improved access to emergency medical care. With the new route, travel time to Norfolk hospitals could be cut in half. For residents living in Corolla and surrounding areas, this could truly mean the difference between life and death in urgent medical situations.
In addition to the health benefits, the bridge would help relieve traffic congestion—particularly through the town of Duck—which is a welcome improvement for everyone living north of that area. Reducing traffic bottlenecks would not only ease daily commutes but also create a more pleasant experience for both residents and visitors.
Tourism is the backbone of our local economy, and making the Outer Banks more accessible would certainly make it a more attractive destination. Shorter travel times will encourage more people to visit, return, and potentially invest in our community.
Currently, finding housing for seasonal employees is a major challenge. The high cost of living in Corolla, combined with the long and often frustrating commute up Highway 12, makes it difficult to attract and retain workers. The proposed bridge would connect Corolla to areas like Coinjock, opening up more affordable housing options for employees and allowing businesses to operate more efficiently. This increased accessibility could help lower the cost of goods and services in Corolla, benefiting both residents and local business owners.
For these reasons and more, I firmly believe the Mid-Currituck Bridge is a necessary and forward-thinking investment in the future of our region.
Angela Smith
Ann Marie Wenzel
I totally agree with Ms. Smith. The bridge has been needed for a long time. Emergency medical care and possible hurricane evacuation are both essential for the Northern Outer Banks.
As far as environmental impacts to animals, turtles, birds, and reptiles they have existed longer then man. They Will survive. They will adjust. They will prosper just like they have for millions of years.
Craig
Build it and they will come.