The Wilmington City Council’s consideration of a 100-foot fixed-span replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is short-sighted, prioritizing speculative cost savings over long-term sustainability. While concerns about historic preservation and tolls have been raised, the assumption that a lower bridge would resolve these issues is speculative, whereas the economic, logistical and regulatory challenges of reduced clearance are very real. Wilmington’s economy depends on maritime activity, and restricting navigational access could stifle growth, deter investment and burden taxpayers with costly retrofits in the future.
Wilmington’s port and industries rely on vessels requiring higher clearance, and a 100-foot bridge could effectively restrict access to commercial shipping in the future. This decision wouldn’t just affect current traffic — it would limit future economic development along the Cape Fear River. Other coastal cities recognize the importance of building for the future rather than making compromises based on short-term cost estimates.
In Charleston, for example, both the Ravenel Bridge and the Don Holt Bridge were designed with height in mind to support long-term economic growth. The Ravenel Bridge, standing 186 feet above the Cooper River, was built to accommodate large container ships, ensuring that Charleston remains competitive as a major shipping hub. The new Don Holt Bridge is being designed to be even taller and wider to support increasing maritime traffic. Meanwhile, in Norfolk, Virginia, the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge — the tallest bridge in coastal Virginia at 145 feet — was built to ensure continued access for large vessels along the Elizabeth River. These cities understand that bridges are 100-year investments and must be designed to meet evolving transportation and commerce needs.
Wilmington has a similar opportunity. Instead of settling for a design that could become obsolete within a few decades, we should invest in a 135-foot bridge that guarantees accessibility for generations to come. A higher bridge will allow Wilmington to remain competitive in attracting maritime industries, supporting jobs and ensuring the economic vitality of our region.
One of the key arguments for a 100-foot bridge is that it might eliminate the need for tolls. However, this claim is unsubstantiated, and the assumption that a shorter bridge will cost significantly less is misleading. In reality, cutting corners now could lead to significant financial consequences down the road. If the bridge height proves insufficient for future maritime traffic, Wilmington could be forced into costly modifications or even a full replacement much sooner than anticipated.
The Historic Wilmington Foundation’s claims about costs lack verification from industry experts and fail to consider the economic risks of limiting future navigational capacity. Decisions on major infrastructure projects should be based on facts and forward-looking planning, not speculation.
Beyond the economic and financial concerns, a 100-foot bridge could face significant regulatory roadblocks. The U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers play a key role in permitting infrastructure that affects navigational access. If these agencies determine that a lower bridge fails to meet modern and future requirements, the city could face legal challenges, construction delays and additional costs for redesigns or retrofits.
Wilmington should take a proactive approach by ensuring that the new bridge meets long-term navigational needs from the outset. Choosing a height that aligns with federal and industry standards will help avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a smooth approval process.
Additionally, with coastal infrastructure facing increasing threats from hurricanes and rising sea levels, a taller bridge would offer greater resilience against extreme weather events. Charleston’s bridges were built with hurricane resistance in mind, and Wilmington should follow suit by ensuring our infrastructure is prepared for future environmental challenges.
Infrastructure investments like the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement are once-in-a-century decisions. Wilmington must prioritize a solution that supports long-term economic growth, navigational access and resilience. A 100-foot bridge is a gamble that could limit future opportunities, create regulatory headaches and result in significant unforeseen costs.
The 135-foot option ensures that Wilmington remains a competitive port city, protects businesses that rely on maritime access and avoids the costly mistake of building a bridge that will be outdated before its lifespan is complete. Now is the time to make the right choice — one that positions our city for success not just today but for the next 100 years.
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce urges city leaders to support the 135-foot bridge option and invest in a future that allows Wilmington to grow, compete and thrive.
Natalie English is president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
