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.

Construction began in 1967 and the bridge opened in 1969, with causeways at both ends and an overpass on the west side. It replaced a ferry that had run from the foot of Market Street to Peter Point, and since opening it has been the only crossing south of downtown Wilmington. New decking followed in 1996 and a new control system in 2007.

The bridge's name comes from the Cape Fear River it crosses, and its lift span rises 135 feet to let ships reach the Port of Wilmington to the south. Until the Isabel Stellings Holmes Bridge took over the US 74 designation, this was the route for that highway too. A ferry once ran from the foot of Market Street to Peter Point before the bridge opened.

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 bridge has been repainted at least twice since opening: in 1986 and again in 2011–2012, the later job delayed more than once. Maintenance is expected every 6 to 8 years, and $15 million of work was done in 2019. In January 2024 the WMPO approved a $1.1 billion project to replace it with a toll bridge.