NCDOT and the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) are weighing a plan that could put a permanent price tag on the region's only direct river crossing — up to $2.75 each way, for decades. We're asking local leaders to reject a toll and find a funding path that doesn't fall hardest on the commuters, tradespeople, and working families who cross this bridge every day.
The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge has carried US 17/76/421 across the river since 1969 and is now nearing the end of its usable life. Replacing it is expected to cost more than a billion dollars. Federal and state grants cover less than a quarter of that, and officials are now looking at tolls — including an unsolicited private proposal — to close the gap.
Thousands of workers cross between Brunswick and New Hanover counties every day. A round-trip toll adds up fast for people with no alternate route.
A flat per-crossing toll costs a minimum-wage worker the same as a corporate commuter — taking a much bigger bite out of a smaller paycheck.
Gas taxes and state transportation dollars are supposed to fund roads like this one. A toll asks the same drivers to pay twice.
A tri-county sales tax and other funding options are still being studied. Tolling shouldn't be treated as the only path forward before those are fully explored.
This isn't just a grassroots concern — local government has already weighed in. Wilmington City Council unanimously adopted a resolution in January 2024 opposing the use of tolls to fund the bridge replacement. Leland's Town Council followed with its own resolution at its April 16, 2026 meeting, after Council Member Veronica Carter raised the issue following a WMPO meeting; Leland's council has been consistently and unanimously against a toll bridge. Two local governments on opposite sides of the river agree: the funding gap shouldn't be closed on the backs of the people who cross it every day.
The toll isn't decided yet. The WMPO board and NCDOT are still weighing options, which means public pressure now — before a vote — is when it counts most.
Tell them directly you oppose tolling this bridge and ask what alternative funding they're pursuing.
The Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization board is the body actually voting on whether to accept a tolled funding model.
NCDOT is required to hold public hearings on the bridge replacement. Speaking or submitting a written comment goes on the official record.
Tolling decisions get made in quiet meetings unless enough people are paying attention. Share this page and ask others to do steps 1–3 too.