WHY THE BB-PR?

A review of the studies conducted to date has revealed that even if NC 12 and US 158 were widened as proposed, in the event of a hurricane, traffic would still "bottleneck" at the existing Wright Memorial Bridge, and evacuation would be virtually impossible. Widening NC 12 not only represents an expensive solution that fails to solve a dangerous and frustrating situation, it would destroy the quality of life visitors and residents alike have come to enjoy. 

Accordingly, the BB-PR is committed to building the Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge and opposed to widening Route 12 north through Southern Shores and Duck, and US 158 south from Barco to Kitty Hawk. ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS? In a word, No! 

The only other option is to build parallel spans to the existing Wright Memorial Bridge to reduce congestion. The cost however, particularly in concert with the widening of US 158, is far greater than the cost of the Mid Currituck Sound Bridge. IS THERE OPPOSITION TO BUILDING THE BRIDGE? Yes. Some claim a Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge will increase the rate of development of the Northern Outer Banks. 

The reality is this area has been completely platted and is developing rapidly, without the bridge. A Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge will ease traffic congestion, provide economic stimulus to mainland Currituck County and most importantly, allow vacationers and residents alike a safer, quicker way to reach emergency medical services or to evacuate the peninsula in the event of a dangerous hurricane. 

The BB-PR believes personal health and safety outweigh all objections.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE!

You must first recognize that widening NC 12 will destroy the Northern Outer Banks as it exists now. The charm and character of the area will be forever altered if Duck Road is widened to four or five lanes, an effort that will not improve traffic flow because of the constriction at Wright Memorial Bridge. Economically, BB-PR believes Outer Banks' businesses, residences, churches, vacation homes and ultimately tourism will be lost if this road is widened.

WHAT HAS BB-PR DONE?

1. Developed a strategic plan to attain our goals.
2. Requested key local governments, businesses and community organizations to adopt resolutions supporting our objectives.
3. Obtained over 20,700 signatures on petitions urging construction of the Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge and opposing widening of NC 12. 4. Brought the situation to the attention of elected representatives in Raleigh and Washington, D. C.

WHAT IS BB-PR DOING?

1. Gaining public awareness of, and support for, this issue.
2. Demonstrating citizen concern through a petition drive.
3. Conducting studies to define the impacts of widening NC 12 in
Dare County and US 158 in Currituck County.
4. Retained the Washington, DC lobbying firm of O'connor and Hannan to hep us to obtain a federal grant to study public/private financing of the bridge construction.
5. Maintaining continuous liaison with Federal and State elected
representatives.
6. Collecting donations to support ads, publicity and communications.
7. Providing presentations to community organizations.
8. Developing volunteer and expert witness lists.
9. Communicating results of BB-PR activities to members and the general public.

What Can you Do?