CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Local residents, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts have filed a lawsuit challenging approval by state and federal officials of a proposed new bridge on the North Carolina coast.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Raleigh.
A news release from the Southern Environmental Law Center on Tuesday says the $500 million Mid Currituck Bridge would lead to growth in undisturbed areas along the northern Outer Banks. The center's attorney says the Federal Highway Administration and the N.C. Department of Transportation have failed to consider less damaging and less expensive alternatives.
The groups also claim that NCDOT has shut the public out of the decision-making process. They say there has been no public analysis of the bridge and no opportunity for the public to weigh in on options since 2012.