If you live on Wrightsville Beach, own a rental there, or have been eyeing a place near Harbor Island, the three bridges that carry everyone onto the island are about to become a big part of daily life for the next few years. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has started early work on its Wrightsville Beach Bridge Replacements Project, and the first visible changes showed up this month. Here’s what’s happening, what the timeline looks like, and what it means if you’re buying, selling, or simply living in and around the beach.
What NCDOT Is Replacing
According to NCDOT’s project page, three bridges that connect Wrightsville Beach in New Hanover County will be replaced:
- The smaller bridge on West Salisbury Street (U.S. 74) over Lees Cut
- The larger West Salisbury Street (U.S. 74) bridge over Banks Channel
- The Causeway Drive (U.S. 76) bridge over Banks Channel
NCDOT says all three bridges remain safe, but they’re nearing the end of their life cycle and need more frequent monitoring and maintenance. The Heide Trask Drawbridge is not part of this project.
WWAY reported on October 1, 2026, that the overall project carries an estimated cost of about $105 million, including roughly $70.8 million for construction and $32.2 million for property acquisition. NCDOT announced on September 30, 2026, that it had awarded the contract for Phase 1, which covers the Lees Cut bridge and a waterline relocation.
What’s Happening Right Now
On October 22, 2026, WECT reported that crews had begun installing erosion control devices and receiving material deliveries near the West Salisbury Street bridge over Lees Cut. NCDOT said the westbound shoulder of West Salisbury Street near the bridge and Pelican Drive would close starting October 27 while crews relocate utility lines, and that the easternmost Pelican Drive access to West Salisbury Street may be affected.
NCDOT has said construction of the new Lees Cut bridge is expected to begin by the end of 2026, and that the existing smaller bridge won’t close to traffic for replacement until after Labor Day, which helps protect the busy summer season. Separately, the StarNews reported on October 27 that the town will receive $1.5 million from the New Hanover Community Endowment for Loop trail improvements while spending a similar amount on aesthetic additions to the new bridges.
The Timeline and How Traffic Will Flow
NCDOT is using a construction manager/general contractor approach, which brings the designer and contractor together early. WilmingtonBiz reported in August 2026 that this could let crews work on the Banks Channel and Causeway bridges at the same time, with a target of finishing the whole project by spring 2030 instead of 2032. NCDOT calls 2030 a target that could change.
Phase by phase
- Phase 1, Lees Cut: West Salisbury Street closes from Lookout Harbor to the eastern Pelican Drive entrance during construction. Causeway Drive keeps two lanes in each direction.
- Phase 2, Banks Channel on Salisbury: West Salisbury Street closes from Lookout Harbor to North Lumina Avenue, with parking on Salisbury staying open. Causeway Drive keeps two lanes each way.
- Phase 3, Causeway Drive: Traffic shifts onto new lanes, with one lane each way on Causeway and one lane each way on Salisbury. The multi-use path on Causeway stays open throughout.
NCDOT has committed to keeping two lanes of traffic on Causeway Drive during construction and coordinating with emergency services so access is maintained.
What the Finished Bridges Will Look Like
Per NCDOT’s project highlights, the new Causeway Drive bridge will have four 11-foot travel lanes, a 6-foot bike lane in each direction, and a 12-foot multi-use path on the north side. The two new West Salisbury Street bridges will each have one 12-foot lane in each direction, two bike lanes, and a 12-foot multi-use path. For a town where so many people walk, bike, and run to the beach, that’s a meaningful upgrade.
What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
If you own on the island or near Harbor Island
Expect several years of construction staging, lane shifts, and the occasional detour. Homes on or near West Salisbury Street, Pelican Drive, and Lookout Harbor will feel Phase 1 and Phase 2 most directly. If you rent your home short-term, it’s worth letting guests know about traffic patterns ahead of their stay and keeping an eye on NCDOT updates during peak months.
If you’re thinking about buying
Construction can make some buyers hesitate, which sometimes means a little less competition for homes closest to the work zones. On the other side of the project, residents get new bridges with modern bike and pedestrian access and decades of service life ahead. If you’re buying near the bridges, ask your agent and attorney about any planned right-of-way or property acquisition near the parcel, and drive the route at different times of day before you commit.
If you’re planning to sell
Be upfront with buyers about the project and its timeline. A clear explanation of the phases, plus a link to the NCDOT page, tends to calm nerves more than leaving buyers to find it on their own. Highlight what doesn’t change: the beach, the Loop, the restaurants, and Causeway Drive staying open with two lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the bridges to Wrightsville Beach close completely?
No. NCDOT says it will keep two lanes of traffic on Causeway Drive during construction. Sections of West Salisbury Street will close during Phases 1 and 2.
When will the project be finished?
NCDOT’s target is spring 2030, though it notes that date could change based on construction progress.
Is the drawbridge being replaced?
No. The Heide Trask Drawbridge is not part of this project, though NCDOT has said it’s working with the Coast Guard to reduce openings during construction.
Where can I get updates?
NCDOT’s Wrightsville Beach Bridge Replacements project page and the Town of Wrightsville Beach both post updates as work progresses.
Talk to a Local Team Before You Make a Move
Big infrastructure projects can shift how a neighborhood feels for a while, and they often add long-term value once they’re done. If you’re weighing a purchase or sale on Wrightsville Beach or anywhere in New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender County, we’re glad to walk through how projects like this one could affect your plans. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you make a confident decision.
