The Bridges of New Hanover County

Getting from Point A to Point B in the Cape Fear region often means crossing a body of water and that means traversing one of our many bridges. From metal to concrete the region’s bridges offer a variety of purposes architectural styles and scenic vantages.

“Bridges become frames for looking at the world around us.”

— Bruce Jackson professor and photographer

CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE

Vertical lift bridge over the Cape Fear River on U.S. 76/U.S. 421/ U.S. 17 Business in Wilmington. Built 1969.

“I find that it’s best to take one step at a time and cross each bridge as they come to you.”

— Michael Stuhlbarg actor

SNOW’S CUT BRIDGE

Fixed span concrete bridge 65 feet above Snow’s Cut on Carolina Beach Road. Built 1963.

“If you are good at building bridges you will never fall into the abyss.”

— Mehmet Murat Ildan writer

HEIDE TRASK BRIDGE

Bascule bridge over Intracoastal Waterway on U.S. 74/U.S. 76 in Wrightsville Beach.

Built 1956. Renovations were completed in 2014 at a coast of $7.9 million.

The two-story control house was rebuilt as part of the project at a cost of more than $650 000.

“Ask of the steel each strut and wire ? what gave it force and power.”

— Joseph B. Strauss chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge

Harry Forden Bridge

Through truss bridge over abandoned Seaboard Coast Railroad on 6th Street in Wilmington.

Built 1911; rehabilitated 1978.