The NCDOT is delaying the construction of the new Pea Island bridge project until the court case involving the replacement of the Bonner Bridge is settled. This was just announced Wednesday. The reason for this decision was not made public. The existing temporary bridge was quickly put up in 2011 after Hurricane Irene cut a new inlet at the north end of Hatteras Island near the Pea Island Refuge. This temporary bridge remains open and access to Hatteras Island is not affected. Construction crews have been working for months to lay down new asphalt for the lanes shifts needed before the construction of the bridge itself was started. The NCDOT ordered the construction company to stop work on the new Pea Island bridge project Tuesday Sept. 9, 2014.
