The effort to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge received a $242 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, officials announced Friday.

Local government and business leaders across the Cape Fear region have for years pushed for funding the replacement of the bridge, which was built in 1969. The total cost of the replacement is expected to be about $485 million, according to a news release from Gov. Roy Cooper's office. The new structure is proposed to be a high-rise, fixed-span bridge. 

A connector between Brunswick and New Hanover counties, the bridge carries more than 70,000 cars and trucks across the river each day and is projected to carry nearly 100,000 vehicles by 2050. Earlier this year, the bridge underwent a major rehabilitation project to replace supports under its riding deck.

After members of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization approved exploring a tolled replacement option earlier this year, the project scored higher in the N.C. Department of Transportation's prioritization.

“This major grant from the Biden Administration is a game changer for the people of Southeastern North Carolina,” Cooper wrote in the release. 

“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical lifeline for Wilmington and our economy, used every day by thousands of residents, tourists headed to the beach and truck drivers going to and from the port. I appreciate President Biden’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding our aging infrastructure and look forward to getting this transformational project underway.”

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis underscored the important role the funding will play in the replacement of the bridge.

“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge will finally be replaced, which is welcome news for the residents of Wilmington,” Senator Tillis wrote in a release on Friday. “This was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that I’m proud to have helped author and pass into law. It’s already provided more than $10 billion to rebuild North Carolina’s infrastructure, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement is the latest project that will benefit our great state.”

In a Friday news release, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo highlighted the role the bridge plays in linking Wilmington with the work “not only for residents and visitors but also the resilience of America’s supply chain and national security.”

“Securing a fully funded bridge replacement remains a top priority for the City of Wilmington and our MPO. I have great confidence in our community, our elected representatives, and our state and federal administrations to build on this investment and deliver a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for generations to come.”

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie English, who has been a persistent advocate for funding to replace the bridge, said Friday's announcement is one to celebrate. 

“While this money from the USDOT is roughly only half of the amount needed to fund this project, this is in addition to the $85 million from NCDOT, and it is a big step forward for southeastern North Carolina," English wrote in a news release on Friday. "That being said, we still have work to do to secure the additional funding needed for this transformative project."