The USA's Federal Highway Administration has given North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) the go-ahead to replace the Bonner Bridge.

NCDOT can now move ahead with construction of a new bridge over Oregon Inlet. The design and build method is being adopted to save time and money, with three pre-screened teams ready to compete for the project. Bids are due to be opened in June 2011 and the new bridge is estimated to cost US$300 million.

It will be built parallel to the existing 48-year-old crossing.