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Here’s our new bridge!

Here’s our new bridge!




Congratulations Outer Banks, we’ve got a new bridge!
I was surprised how many people braved the wind and cold to come and walk, run and bicycle the new bridge, it was really cool.
...and cold!




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RE: Here’s our new bridge!




I started the walk at 2PM. Starting at the fishing center the wind was at our backs with folks riding their bikes didn't have to peddle much. On the return trip walking into the wind was harsh, most bike riders were walking their bikes back. I was also surprised to see so many people doing the walk. I made it to the high point with the plan to get my "real" camera out to take some shots but the wind was pushing me so much I could not stand still. This shot is with my phone looking towards the inlet.




RE: Here’s our new bridge!




Zoomed in on that building to the south of the inlet. Still using the cellphone.




RE: Here’s our new bridge!




I'll contribute a few structural photos for the record. One good thing is the cement surface is one continuous slab with breaks only at the joints you'll see in the photo. No more klunk-klunk-klunk-klunk and bouncy ride like you get on the other bridges around here!




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Also interesting is the water drainage from the bridge. It is really low tech with simple pvc tubes embedded into the concrete.





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Bridge rails.. I am surprised the bridge deck isn't wider. The breakdown lanes are barely adequate for a small car. I know when they built the bridge over the Potomac in DC the break down lanes where as wide as a regular travel lane.




RE: Here’s our new bridge!




This photo shows a mystery excavator off in the sand just south of the Life Saving station at the south end of the bridge. They have been grading and digging a path in the dunes back there for a couple of months but I have no idea what they were building. Any ideas? It's in an area that will get swallowed up by shifting sand within a couple of months.




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We made the walk over and back in 2.5 hours. The return trip and headwind was crazy. I’m guess wind gust above 30 were possible. Awesome day. Video at the top on way back.


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Sorry it wouldn’t post. I’ll try this one.




RE: Here’s our new bridge!




They constructed a strange side road near the south end of the bridge in an area of drifting sand. I guess the state felt bad for the sand movers on Pea Island and gave them an extra hundred yards to maintain.




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Such great pictures! Thanks for sharing them!!


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The 5 Fore’s starting the walk.




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On the way back straight into the wind




RE: Here’s our new bridge!




We did it - well, we walked from the camping area across from the Oregon Inlet Fishing area...and walked up to the top of the bridge with the wind at our backs. I knew as soon as we started that that is where we'd turn around. Walking up was easy, walking back was a whole helluvalot of effort. It was worth it but 5.5 miles later, I have to admit my husband and I were pretty pooped with the incredible wind. I'm a regular walker and put on a lot of miles daily but this was quite something, though still worth it. Too bad it wasn't yesterday's weather. Wink smiley All said, I think everyone was very excited and thankful.

First picture looking east at the Bonner bridge and wondering how any fishing boats deal with that span!




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Up top with the winds a blow in':




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And a quick shot off to the west when the sun broker through:






RE: Here’s our new bridge!




They constructed a strange side road near the south end of the bridge in an area of drifting sand.

ArchieandAri

It must be for the turn around for what’s going to be the old (quarter) bridge/future fishing pier.
Here’s the turning lane at the end of the south side of the bridge that leads to that side road, don’t forget, three quarters of the old bridge from the north side are going to be demolished.




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I’m not sure why does my pictures post at half resolution?
My apologies, they look much clearer and in their full resolution glory on my iPhone.
Will, is there something that can fix this?


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Thank you all for sharing. Looks fun!


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Congratulations Outer Banks, we’ve got a new bridge!
I was surprised how many people braved the wind and cold to come and walk, run and bicycle the new bridge, it was really cool.
...and cold!

Nomad


Nomad, that appears to be from the south end looking north. Did you start from the south, and if so, was there a parking area for bridge walkers? My wife and I parked at OIFC and walked to top from north and back again. We were wondering what they had for the folks starting on the south end. We were also surprised at the number of people. Hundreds just in the noon to 2 pm time we were there.


RE: Here’s our new bridge!




Also interesting is the water drainage from the bridge. It is really low tech with simple pvc tubes embedded into the concrete.

ArchieandAri


I didn't notice those drains until I reached the high point on the bridge. Then remembered the cold medicine commercial on the TV where a guy is walking, sneezes and his cellphone pops out of his had and slides perfectly through a grate in the sidewalk.


RE: Here’s our new bridge!




This photo shows a mystery excavator off in the sand just south of the Life Saving station at the south end of the bridge. They have been grading and digging a path in the dunes back there for a couple of months but I have no idea what they were building. Any ideas? It's in an area that will get swallowed up by shifting sand within a couple of months.

ArchieandAri


Mining sand. There has been a “Borrow pit” in that vicinity in the past. That might be what’s going on. Sand acreates on the south side of the inlet rock groin.


RE: Here’s our new bridge!




Congratulations Outer Banks, we’ve got a new bridge!

Nomad


Nomad, that appears to be from the south end looking north. Did you start from the south, and if so, was there a parking area for bridge walkers?

W&M OBX

Indeed it is, we were directed to park at the campground on the other side of the OIFC, on the north side, which at 10:20 when we got there was already full to the brim with cars and people.
Those who came from the south parked at the Oregon inlet walking path/bridge fishing catwalk parking lot and some also parked on the shoulder of the road leading from the new bridge to the old road.




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Thanks for posting the pictures and updates everyone!

John


RE: Here’s our new bridge!




I am surprised the bridge deck isn't wider. The breakdown lanes are barely adequate for a small car.

ArchieandAri

Your first pic shows a medium size truck contained within the shoulder lane outside of the travel lanes?

I think that if the breakdown lanes were any bigger then what they already are it will invite a lot of “unexplained temporary breakdowns” right on the higher parts of the bridge, coincidentally giving the ocupents of said brokendown vehicle a golden opportunity for an end of their vacation photo for Facebook.

But that’s just me thinking...’cause I know I would’ve been one of them fools.
The view from the top is spectacular.




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