The Wright Memorial Bridge serves an important role for the Outer Banks. It is the sole artery on and off from the North. It truly is the gateway to the barrier island. The original (lower span) was built in 1966 and the newer East span 1995. The bridge was given the name to honor Wilbur and Orville Wright. The 3 mile stretch over the Currituck Sound begins to the North in Point Harbor and ends in Kitty Hawk. The current West span is closed for repairs. The official route name is highway 158. The history of the first bridge dates to the 1930's. A wooden bridge was constructed at a cost of $225,000 and a $1 toll applied. The bridge replaced private ferry service. The toll was lifted a few years after it was built and purchased by the state of North Carolina. I personally have logged a lot of trips over the bridge since 1991. It's new West span has made life much easier for residents and visitors. If you catch it during peak time in the Summer going with traffic that 3 miles could take 45 minutes. I still cannot help but give it a big thumbs up. read more

This is the bridge that takes you into the outer banks. It's not that long and is nice and clean. Today, while crossing, we noticed a rain bowl; how cool was that?! read more

Wright Memorial Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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This bridge is just way cool you can you are surrounded by water lol that sounds really stupid doesn't it. Of course if you're on the bridge is surrounded by water. The vastness of the water was a focal point. As a water lover this bridge was just fun. At certain times of the day, ie heavy traffic times it was not quite as fun. Was like her own Howard Franklin here in Tampa Florida that gets backed up and your bumper to bumper with all the other vehicles on it. I guess that's kind of a universal theme for bridges that connect one location to another. Architectual I thought the bridge was quite stunning and it look like it had been redone in a couple of sections but, what do I know. What I do know is that it was a nice visual effect to drive over the bridge. What's a girl to do? Hey, when your beach bum at heart you love the water. read more

Wright Memorial Bridge - To & from island - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

This bridge divides the two counties of the Outer Banks in half and runs about three miles. The structure you cross is actually the third renovation/rebuilding of the bridge from the 90's. All of the history is awesome but, for people vacationing here such as myself, the first glimpse of the water and hitting this bridge means you vacation has officially started. It really begins when you reach the other side and see the Welcome to Dare County sign and you get that beach dreamy feeling. During peak season and peak rental turn over days, you can expect to sit bumper to bumper for a while but, there are ample places to eat before you can on the bridge or right as you exit it on the other side. read more

"Are we there yet?" When you hear and feel the rhythmic "chn-chnk, chn-chnk, chn-chnk, chn-chnk, chn-chnk" coming through the vehicle wheels -- you are experiencing the "heartbeat of the Outer Banks" as you cross the Roanoke Sound and can finally say "yes -- we are here -- let the good times begin again." The Wright Bothers Memorial Bridge is the symbol of another vacation beginning as you finally roll into Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. And when rolling away from the island, it is the marker of another span of memories now ready to move us through the coming months. The bridge is lengthy and lovely with amazing visuals to the left and to the right -- so even when jam-packed with traffic during peak season, it offers an ever so nifty opportunity to grow in excitement about the good times to come, or to pause with gratitude on the now-ending vacation days. I look forward to the "chn-chnk, chn-chnk, chn-chnk" traditional welcome and so-long vibes during every OBX adventure. read more