Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge

The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge connects mainland North Carolina to the Outer Banks by crossing Croatan Sound between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island. The structure is built from prestressed concrete and supported by a system of concrete columns.

The crossing opened in 2002 and was designed to improve transportation between the mainland and the barrier islands. The project represented a major infrastructure investment to better connect the region.

This crossing honors Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the colonies during the early settlement period. The namesake reflects how deeply that historical moment shaped the identity of this region.

The bridge rises higher in the middle to allow boats to pass underneath. For visitors traveling between the mainland and the islands, this is the main crossing point and serves as an emergency evacuation route during storms.

The structure rests on thousands of pilings that drive deep into the seabed below. This hidden anchor system is what keeps the entire crossing stable against storms and strong water currents.

Location: Dare County

Inception: August 16, 2002

Official opening: August 16, 2002

Made from material: prestressed concrete

GPS coordinates: 35.88700,-75.73250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41