Fun Facts and photos of the Bridge that means: You’re Here!

For those of us fortunate, blessed or just plain lucky enough to call these fragile outer barrier islands home, the Wright Memorial Bridge has long symbolized just that - Home. As soon as the tires hit the changing pavement and your eyes scan over the yawning waters of the Currituck and Albemarle sounds stretching to the oh-so-familiar shoreline, it’s as if an inner voice whispers “We’re home.” It happens each and every time, whether it was a long journey north to visit friends and family or just a short trip to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits or a doctor’s appointment. For visitors or vacationers, though, the three-mile span probably projects something entirely different… a euphoric “Welcome to Island Time,” the marked beginning of a long-awaited blissful seven days of fun in the sun.

Here’s some history and fun facts on the bridge we all love…

On September 27, 1930, the bridge from Point Harbor to Kitty Hawk opened. Built by the W.L. Jones Company of Elizabeth City and owned by the Wright Memorial Bridge Company, the original bridge was made entirely of wood, took only 6 months to build and cost $225,000. $1 toll was charged per car.

State Highway Commission purchased the Wright Memorial Bridge and removed the toll in 1935. It then became an extension of NC Highway 344, later 34, then US 158.

In 1966, the first Wright Memorial Bridge was completely razed. A modern concrete bridge replaced the old wooden bridge.

The two-lane bridge that was constructed allowed for a speed limit increase from 25 mph to 55 mph.

In 1995 a second parallel bridge was constructed to alleviate traffic, which became the westbound bridge. The older eastbound bridge was reconstructed in 1997. Both bridges together provide four lanes of traffic

In recent years, the bridge spans have been rehabbed. In 2014, the eastbound lanes became the first in the state to get a new type of quick drying, longer lasting pavement and blocks of zinc installed on piles that absorb corrosion caused by Outer Banks salty air and water.

Most recently, the bridge was closed by local authorities in the Spring of 2020 to all non-local traffic due to COVID concerns. Locals could be found dropping off refreshments, well wishes, and lots of doughnuts for our officers manning the traffic stop 24 hours a day for over 6 weeks, rain or shine.