Neuse River Bridge: A once-in-a-lifetime project

The Neuse River Bridge
Photo by Bill Hand/Sun Journal Staff

Since the mid-1970s, vision, achievable goals, partnerships, commitment, and hard work by the public and private sector were key to the downtown’s renaissance — and the state-of-the art Neuse River Bridge.

Opened to traffic in November 1999, the U.S. 17/N.C. 55 intricate system of roadway, ramps and bridges crossing the Trent and Neuse rivers was North Carolina’s largest single highway contract at that time. It is a project that was/is critical to the growth and economic development of Eastern North Carolina.

Historically, in Eastern North Carolina, ferry transportation was relied on as the cost of building bridges was financially burdensome. By the late 1800s, the inconvenience of ferries led to the county borrowing $35,000 to construct a Neuse River Bridge from New Bern to Bridgeton that opened in 1898.

In the 1940s, the ever increasing number of cars and trucks intensified N.C. 55/U.S. 17 traffic on the Neuse Boulevard/Broad Street corridor through downtown, led to the widening of Board Street and construction of a new Neuse River Bridge at the foot of Broad Street to Bridgeton in the early 1950s.

By the 1980s, it was a common sight to see cars lined up bumper to bumper on Broad and East Front streets as the swing span bridges over the two rivers opened to let boats through. Even though a boat could clear the span with the bridge rotating back in place in 10 minutes, it took 30-40 minutes for the traffic jam to clear. If the drawbridge opened at 5 in the afternoon, traffic backed up for miles. Major traffic problems were expected to intensify in the coming decade.

Its impact on the downtown revitalization effort led to Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp.’s active involvement in pursuing the bridge’s replacement.

At the April 1988 Swiss Bear Board meeting, County Manager Tyler Harris reported both the Trent and Neuse River bridges were eligible for replacement and at a recent NCDOT presentation three options were being considered. The first, a New Bern Bypass, carrying traffic far outside New Bern; the second, construction of a high rise bridge to extend from Bridgeton to the vicinity of Hatteras Yachts. The last was the possible construction of a high-rise bridge from Sandy Point to James City and closure of the two existing drawbridges.

Harris said, prior to that meeting, representatives from the county, City Manager Bill Hartman and a 12-member committee met with NCDOT representatives to ensure any plans for improvements to existing and new roadways would be geared to improving local traffic as opposed to through traffic. The committee felt the last option for a new bridge system would best serve the needs of the community.

In discussion, downtown merchant, Lou Steinberg agreed improvements to our existing bridge and road system were necessary; however, the downtown merchants would miss earnings from traffic now forced through the downtown if the bypass option was selected. Jimmy Chagaris felt downtown would become more tourist-oriented in the future and sales would come from this new group of people. John Phillips said traffic congestion was already hurting downtown businesses and he favored plans that would improve traffic flow through New Bern.

Tyler Harris noted if the bridge replacement project received funding from the Federal Bridge Replacement Act, the two existing bridges would be removed. Bill Hartman said the bridge and road improvements were a necessary risk and offered the opportunity for developing park areas where the old bridges were, giving citizens and visitors additional access to the water.

During the same year, 2001 Craven County – Previewing the Future, a two-year strategic planning effort initiated by the Chamber of Commerce in 1987, determined a vital key to the future development of the county was the locations and timely construction of a new Neuse River Bridge and U.S. Highway Bypass. Those working on the 2001 Committee saw an opportunity for local citizens to have a significant impact on decisions concerning the two projects as important NCDOT hearings were scheduled and critical time would pass before such an opportunity arose again.

In 1989, at the Swiss Bear October Board meeting, Representative Gerald Anderson noted federal discretionary funds could be used for the bridge project and with the right people working on this bridge project, it could begin in three years with monies coming from the state and federal government.

Responding to the opportunity, the Craven County Transportation Committee, chaired by Troy Smith, was expanded to include Pamlico and Jones counties. Committee representatives included the Craven County Commissioner’s Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, Harold Talton, Roy Brison, Sr., Nolan Jones, Albert Toon; Mayors Tom Bayliss and George Griffin; County Managers, Harold Blizzard, Larry Meadows, Randy Beaman; City Manager, Bill Hartman and Havelock Clerk, Kathleen Townsend. Representatives Scott Thomas and William Wainwright, Sen. Beverly Perdue, NCDOT Division II Board, Bob Mattock; Joe Thomas, Lonnie Pridgen, Michael Avery, Dallas Blackiston, Don Baumgardner, Jim Davis, Billy Haire, Lauren Hillman. Division Engineer, Rick Shirley (replaced later by Neil Lassiter) and Susan Moffat Thomas, all representing and providing liaison with the governments of the smaller towns, chambers of commerce, civic groups and state legislators. A united front by all three counties was crucial to the effort.

Nancy Stallings, a former NCDOT Assistant Secretary, was hired as the Transportation Coordinator and operated out of the Swiss Bear office. Her challenge was to work with the Committee and NCDOT to build a bridge in an appropriate location and most challenging of all, bring everyone in the three counties together as it was politically important to have a strong unified show of support for a new bridge.

An immediate need was getting the Neuse River Replacement project listed in the N.C. Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Congress’ passage of the Surface Transportation Act changed the method of funding bridges. Prior to that, Committee plans were to obtain funds for the new bridge from federal discretionary funds and now funding would be provided through the state with a funding amount placed at $70 million.

The primary concern was NCDOT spent its highway funding on projects contained in the TIP, a plan that was updated every year with highway improvement projects planned for the next seven years. Projects not listed in the plan would not be considered. The Transportation Committee also recognized the project could ultimately cost a $100 million so federal financial assistance was needed as the plan was to lobby for a project that would exceed the standard bridge replacement concept of bridge replacement and reasonable approaches only. The desired project would be a part of a bypass of New Bern and would exceed the funding allowed by Federal Bridge Replacement criteria.

In February 1992, a resolution requesting that NCDOT include the Neuse River Bridge Replacement Project was signed by all members of the Craven, Pamlico, and Jones Transportation Committee. Thomas Harrelson, Secretary, NCDOT, State Reps. Gerald Anderson and William Wainwright, Sen. Beverly Perdue, Congressmen Martin Lancaster and Walter B. Jones, Senator’s Terry Sanford and Jesse Helms were inundated with letters and a resolution from all counties, cities and organizations involved.

As a follow up, Nancy Stallings traveled to Washington and met with Congressman Walter B. Jones and Senator Terry Sanford seeking ways federal dollars could be secured for this project.

To be continued in two weeks.

Susan Moffat Thomas is executive director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp.

Trent-Neuse River Dragon Days Coming to New Bern

COASTAL CAROLINA RIVERWATCH, a newly established environmental group advocating for all the rivers of eastern North Carolina, has announced its plan to host the 2013 Dragon Boat race event in New Bern at Union Point Park. This will be the second time this event, previously sponsored by another group, will be held in New Bern. It is scheduled for July 27, 2013.

Dragon Boat races are exciting! Certainly, they are very enjoyable to watch. For many, real fun comes from paddling one of these 45 foot dragon boats in sync with a drummer’s beat in races with others. Last year, participants found it to be a wet, wild and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Individuals will be able to sign up and join with others and businesses can sponsor a full boat and fly their names and logos in the races. There may be limits on the number of participants, so early sign up is encouraged.

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, whose headquarters is located in New Bern at 1305 Country Club Road, works to protect all the rivers and streams of eastern North Carolina.  In cases where local river groups exist, Coastal Carolina Riverwatch partners with them in multiple ways. This includes, but is not limited to, providing trained volunteers who fly airplanes in aerial surveillance, taking water samples, professionally capturing video and pictures, attending public hearings and petitioning government officials in support of common issues.  

The mission of Coastal Carolina Riverwatch is to work together, not just with other environmental groups but with community leaders and businesses as well. Its work to restore and protect the rivers of Coastal Carolina is a good business practice that makes dollars and sense. 

Healthy Rivers—Healthy Economy—inextricably linked—that’s the bottom line!

MORE INFORMATION:

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch:

252-514-0629                                           

Email: coastalcarolinariver@centurylink.net  

 

East Waterfront Task Force...developing a plan for Union Point Park

In a previous blog I wrote about Swiss Bear’s involvement in purchasing several parcels along the street and getting the parcels along the Neuse River donated to the City. The three acre tract, adjacent to Union Point Park, included fuel storage tanks and a vacant deteriorating gas station. It was important to acquire the property to begin developing the waterfront to attract and accommodate tourism and water recreation. The negotiation process took several years. During that time Swiss Bear approached Weyerhaeuser Corporation about their interest in building a museum and visitor center that would include an aquatic learning center. They indicated they were interested in considering such a project if the Texaco property was used to expand Union Point.  

With that in mind, in July 1983, following Texaco’s donation of the property to the City, Harold Talton, Swiss Bear Chairman and Marvin Davis, the Executive Director, went before the Board of Aldermen to request Swiss Bear’s designation as the entity to plan the use of the Texaco property and Union Point. The Board of Aldermen approved and passed a resolution granting Swiss Bear 120 days to come up with a plan.  Swiss Bear sought the Chamber of Commerce’s help and the two organization’s created  the East Waterfront Task Force. Members included, Tony Hooper, City Manager; David Rowland, City Planner; Boyd Meyers and Paul Cox, Aldermen; Weyerhaeuser representatives were Norm Johnson, Glen Wood and George Henson. Swiss Bear representatives were Harold Talton, Marvin Davis, John Ward and Kay Williams. Jamie King was the Neuse River Foundation representatives and Farrell Teague and Alton Herndon represented the Chamber. The Task Force worked on this project, which became very controversial, for more than three years.

In a future blog, I will relate the many challenges and hurdles they faced over the following three years with the goal of developing the Texaco property and Union Point into a protected harbor and river research center.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Union Point Park late 1970's



Union Point Park late 1970's



The Evolution of New Bern's Waterfront... changing with the times

Although there are few indications left that New Bern was a major port that relied on its rivers for its livelihood in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the downtown business district remains in close proximity to the Neuse and Trent Rivers. In the early 1800’s, a steam-powered saw mill operated in Union Point and the banks of the Neuse River was lined with turpentine distilleries and tank yards. All the businesses, industries and residences were clustered around that commercial area. Following a severe depression from the late 1820’s into the early 1840’s, three major fires devastated the economy. However, by the late 1840’s and  early 1850’s, the national demand for turpentine, lumber and naval stores brought renewed growth and development.

In the early 1860’s, during the Civil War, New Bern became an active commercial and waterfront district due to the occupation of the Union Forces for the duration of the war. As a center for Union operations, the town maintained an active commercial and waterfront district.  Three more fires and lumber based economic growth in the post Civil Wars years led to intense building activity. In the early 1900’s, the economic prosperity led to expanded growth and construction away from the waterfront into what is now the business district. The downtown began to assume its recognizable landscape between the 1880’s and 1920. The mishmash of older frame and brick commercial buildings and residences, irregularly sited along the downtown streets, were demolished as the intense building activity in the expanded business district continued. More than 50 major brick buildings were constructed and in 1909-1910, the city paved 35 blocks of streets with bricks and constructed 25 miles of concrete sidewalks with granite curbing.  Downtown was then the place most people went to shop, bank, worship, recreate, or participate in the political life of the community whether they went there every day or once a season.

Trent Waterfront late 1960

Aerial View of Waterfront - 1960

In the 1920’s the decline of the lumber industry led to an economic downturn and New Bern’s decline as a port city.  The growth of trucking and the auto industry led to the post WWII exodus to the suburbs and further deterioration of the downtown and its waterfront. In the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, 14 acres of commercial buildings on the Trent waterfront were demolished through a federal urban renewal program. The objective was to redevelop the waterfront and a Development Commission was established.

Throughout the decade of the 1950’s, the waterfront was used for fishing boating and sailing and outboard motor races. By the 1970’s the sport of sailing in the Neuse led to the creation of two yacht clubs.   

Union Point Park Today

Aerial View of New Bern Today

In 1977, the Downtown Revitalization Plan commissioned by local officials and business leaders, articulated the goal of transforming the entire downtown waterfront…taking it from its slum conditions to a place of beauty, a place where people of all ages, races, and walks of life could enjoy the spectacular beauty of the two rivers joining forces. The Plan pointed out  expanding tourism, developing recreational opportunities and attracting retirees could be the catalyst for the revitalization of the  downtown and the redevelopment of its waterfront.  Swiss Bear, a private nonprofit, was organized to stimulate and coordinate the downtown revitalization effort in partnership with the public sector. Many partners joined in the effort. Over the past 30 years, four hotels, three marinas, a riverfront convention center, Farmers Market, and the NC History Center, redevelopment of Union Point Park and Council Bluff Green, removal of the old Neuse River Bridge, development of the Riverwalk along the two rivers (to provide public access to the waterfront ) the new Neuse River Bridge and replacement of the Alfred Cunningham Bridge transformed the downtown and waterfront. Tourism is a major industry and downtown and its waterfront is a destination.

New Bern’s willingness to adapt to the needs of the time, led to its growth and development in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and  again in the late twentieth and early twenty first century. The spectacular waterfront setting, convenient accessibility to boat traffic and public access to the waterfront has made this area increasingly valuable to the on-going development of New Bern and Craven County.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director