Defenders' Experts
Bridge and Road to Slice Through Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in NC
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, on North Carolina's Outer Banks, is one of the United State's premier refuges. Its 13 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches are important nesting grounds for sea turtles and shorebirds, and its thousands of acres of marshes are vital wintering areas and migration stop-overs for throngs of migratory birds.
There are two general proposals to replace the aging Herbert Bonner Bridge that connects Pea Island to Bodie Island and the town of Nags Head to the north: a parallel, or "short bridge" that relies on the troubled NC Highway-12 that runs through the refuge, and a Pamlico Sound, or "long bridge" bridge that completely bypasses Pea Island. For reasons concerning public safety, cost, and ecological protection, the long bridge alternative is the best solution. But powerful interests are pushing the short bridge and road through the refuge which will prevent the restoration of habitat and will threaten public safety.
Get the facts:
- In-depth overview
- The long bridge is safer and more reliable
- The long bridge is cost effective
- The long bridge restores Pea Island national wildlife refuge
- Conservation group letter to Interior Secretary Kempthorne urging protection of the refuge
- Interior Secretary Kempthorne letter to Senator Burr, facilitating the damaging short bridge proposal
- Map of bridge replacement options. Note: corridors 2 and 3 on the map have been rejected from further study.
- Our Opinion: Long Bridge Is The Safest, Most Reliable, Least Expensive Option In The Long Run
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