Coast Guard Speeds NC Beach Drawbridge for Construction Traffic Jam
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily modify the operating schedule for the S.R. 74 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC. This action is necessary to alleviate vehicle traffic congestion on the S.R. 74 Bridge caused by the replacement and lane reductions of two nearby bridges during construction. Upon completion of the construction project, the S.R. 74 Drawbridge will return to its normal operating schedule. The Coast Guard invites your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Drivers: less vehicle congestion
The temporary hourly opening schedule is intended to alleviate vehicle traffic congestion on S.R. 74 caused by nearby bridge replacements and lane reductions; the change is in effect from November 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030. You may experience fewer traffic disruptions on S.R. 74 during the construction period because the draw will open only on the hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Vessels face hourly openings
From 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2030, the S.R. 74 drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach, NC will open for all vessels only on the hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. This is a temporary change from the current schedule that allowed commercial vessels to request openings at any time.
Commercial and emergency exceptions
Commercial vessels engaged in towing, dredging, marine construction, and maintenance of aids to navigation that cannot adjust plans may request openings if they provide at least 30 minutes' advance notice to the bridge tender. The draw will open for emergencies if at least 10 minutes' advance notice is given. These exceptions apply during the same November 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030 period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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