Publication of the draft environmental impact statement for the US$659.2 million Mid-Currituck Bridge in North Carolina, USA, has identified a preferred alternative.

The recommended alternative for the 11km scheme gives two possible routes across Currituck Sound.

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority scheme will be the state's first public-private partnership. Three major joint ventures of contractors, consultants and financiers were shortlisted in 2008 as potential proposers for the scheme.

The bridge is designed to bring about a substantial improvement in traffic flow and travel time as well as reducing hurricane evacuation times.

Public hearings will be held in May and a preferred alternative will be confirmed in August ahead of a final environmental impact statement in September.