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The Rodanthe bridge is 39% complete and still on track to open in fall 2021.

The state’s transportation department held a quarterly update meeting online Thursday, June 4.

Pablo Hernandez, NCDOT resident engineer, provided the update on the $145.33 million bridge.

Overall, 43 of the 108 bents are installed with 164 of 352 piles driven. Deck spans poured number 34 of 107.

Hernandez indicated that driving pilings at the north end was a challenge. The work trestle at the north end of the bridge is complete. The contractor Flatiron Constructors and NCDOT are working together on ways to speed up trestle structure leapfrogging.

At the south end, Hernandez pointed to the progress on the roundabout where drainage pipe and earthwork has been completed. The next phase calls for curbing and paving. Lane closures are not anticipated this summer. Starting June 15, if a lane closure is required, the contractor can only work Monday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

He indicated that the bridge at the south end has now turned the curve and is on a straight heading to meet with the north end of the bridge.

Regarding the Pappy Lane shipwreck, Hernandez reported that pile driving had no effect. “It’s still there, still visible underwater.”

After the presentation, Hernandez and Diane Wilson, senior public involvement officer, answered questions.

A questioner asked about vehicle headlights. The bridge is designed for the concrete barrier to be 36 inches tall with the metal rail on top. The normal height is 30 inches, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed concerns about sea turtle nesting, so an additional six inches was added. The new height may reduce the effect of headlights.

Another complaint about trash was registered. Hernandez will share the concern with the contractor, who has been sweeping the original complaint area, but may need to expand trash pickup to the north.

Close to the end of the meeting, a questioner asked about a reduction in property tax assessment on soundfront property due to the bridge.

Hosea Wilson, assistant county assessor, reports that the new revaluation recognized the effect of the bridge on around two dozen soundfront properties north of Pappy Lane. The new revaluation reduces land value by 10% on soundfront lots only. Wilson indicated that no sales figures were available. Property values can be appealed any year at the appropriate time. Changes as a result of an appeal are never retroactive, said Wilson.

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