Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Vertical-lift bridge in Wilmington, North Carolina
The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge that spans the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, connecting two counties for vehicle traffic. Its middle section rises up to let ships pass through below.
This bridge opened in 1969 as a major infrastructure project for the region, improving how people could cross the river. Its construction marked an important moment in connecting the two areas on either side of the water.
The structure stands as a central transportation route in Wilmington, carrying US highways 17, 76, and 421 while supporting regional commerce and daily commutes.
The lifting mechanism operates when large ships need to travel upriver, which means traffic stops temporarily while the bridge raises. Drivers should expect delays during these times, especially when vessel traffic is active on the water.
The steel framework of this bridge receives a special hot-dip galvanizing treatment that lasts much longer than traditional paint coatings. This means maintenance work happens less often, which matters for a bridge handling so much daily traffic.
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