One year in: How construction on the new bridge across Alligator River is going

TYRRELL COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A new bridge over Alligator River is taking shape as construction crews have completed about 95% of foundation work since construction began in February 2025.

The Lindsay C. Warren Bridge will be a 3.3-mile, two-lane, high rise bridge replacing the current Lindsay C. Warren, movable bridge on Highway 64, eliminating traffic delays for both vehicles and boats. The project is set to be finished in 2028.

“It’ll be a two lane bridge with a high level high rise that will allow for vessel traffic to pass underneath the bridge while vehicle traffic passes over the bridge so we will no longer have the movable bridge that creates stoppages for both vessels and vehicle traffic,” said Pablo Hernandez, NCDOT resident engineer.

The project uses GPS systems and anchoring technology instead of traditional pile-driving methods, according to Skanska Project Executive Phillip Lefave.

“A lot of our positioning is done off of anchors and GPS systems as opposed to the typical pile driving through templates and installation of a pre-installed template,” Lefave said. “We’ve eliminated the template by eliminating the template and using the software and GPS technology.”

Starting next year, drivers will see the bridge structure rise above the foundation work as construction proceeds from either side.

" Now they drive by (people on the road), and it’s piles and banging and piles into the ground. They’ll start to see a transition into the concrete work and the bridge will start to rise up out," Lefave said.

Construction includes an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, with two underground animal crossings planned on either side of the bridge.

Skanska and NCDOT officials said they are pleased with progress but acknowledge significant work remains.

“The pace of the work, as the contractor, we always like to see things move quickly. Yes, it is impressive,” Lefave said. “Our goal is to do things as efficiently, as safely, and as high of quality as possible for the owner.

The estimated completion date for the bridge is 2028.