Old Alligator River bridge spans may become 125-acre fishing reef in Albemarle Sound

The concrete spans from the Lindsay C. Warren Bridge over the Alligator River, which carries U.S. 64 between Dare and Tyrrell counties, could be repurposed to form a 125-acre artificial fishing reef in Albemarle Sound, the Island Free Press reported.

State fisheries officials plan to use about 300 concrete sections, each roughly 60 feet long and 30 feet wide, to build the reef approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the river’s mouth, according to the News & Observer.

The reef would provide habitat for fish to feed and spawn in an area currently lacking cover, creating new opportunities for anglers. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public meeting about the proposal on Dec. 3 at College of The Albemarle in Manteo.

One part of the bridge, the swing span that pivots for boat traffic, may not be included due to its height and shallow water depth at the site. Officials are considering cutting it into smaller pieces or selling it for scrap.

The existing bridge will remain in use until its replacement, which began construction in February 2025, opens. The new bridge will offer 65 feet of clearance, eliminating the need for drawbridge openings for boats.

There have been no public discussions about preserving parts of the old bridge as a fishing pier, unlike similar projects elsewhere in North Carolina.