Fate of OBX's Bonner Bridge still undecided

An environmental group has written President Obama, supporting a 17-mile bridge to replace the old one that crosses the Oregon Inlet.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported the Southern Environmental Law Center wrote the president last week, stating its support for the $1 billion design. It would bypass N.C. 12 through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Sen. Marc Basnight wrote Obama last month, urging him to end the bureaucratic gridlock on the project that exists even though two federal agencies favor a plan to build a bridge parallel to the existing one.

The Bonner Bridge was built in 1963 and is in poor condition. State transportation officials say numerous repairs mean it is safe to cross.