It won’t be apparent immediately, but work is about to begin on the Washington Baum Bridge. That’s the bridge that crosses Roanoke Sound, connecting Manteo and Nags Head and the Outer Banks.
Work is scheduled to begin later this month on the bridge that opened in 1994. The bridge and its approaches are just over a mile long, although the 89’ high span over water is about 454’.
Unlike the the Bonner Bridge that was replaced by the Marc C Basnight Bridge, the Washington Baum Bridge is actually considered in fairly good condition receiving a 63.1 rating out of 100 following a 2018 inspection.
Nonetheless, NCDOT feels it’s time to upgrade the deck and smooth out the ride, which can be quite bumpy as well as take on some additional projects that will stretch the life of the bridge.
“The project…will improve the rideability of the bridge and lengthen its lifespan. The project includes correcting bumps on the existing bridge deck and replacing bridge joints, as well as repairing concrete in the structure,” NCDOT wrote in a press release announcing work will begin soon.
The project will cost $21.3 million, but the longterm benefit is a bridge that will last beyond its original planned lifespan.
The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025. The contract calls for no daytime or weekend lane closures during the peak summer season.
The Washington Baum Bridge replaced an earlier version of itself—same name—that was a two lane draw bridge built in 1962. As boat traffic increased on Roanoke Sound, the drawbridge was no longer practical. Before the first version of the Washington Baum Bridge, there was a wooden bridge connecting the Outer Banks and Manteo.
There’s lot of great things happening on the Outer Banks. Come see for yourself how exciting it is to be here when staying in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.