FRP reinforcement played a key role in the replacement of two bridges by the North Carolina DOT. NCDOT replaced two bridges, both known as the Earl C. Davis Memorial Bridge, which connected the town of Straits on the mainland to Harkers Island.

The bridges were each more than 50 years old and were due for replacement. Replacing the bridges provides better access to and from the island in emergencies and during hurricane evacuations.

The new bridge is primarily made of carbon-fiber and glass-fiber reinforcement, making it the first structure in the state to use the material. The material is used to combat corrosion in coastal environments, which will mean the bridge will require less maintenance.​

The use of CFRP reinforcement is consistent with contractor Balfour Beatty’s vision for bridge construction in coastal regions. According to a project profile on the company’s website, “Balfour Beatty is leveraging the latest technologies including non-corroding, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strands, a proven advancement in transportation technology that performs comparably to steel in the finished product and is lighter and more durable than traditional materials.

“As the first NCDOT bridge project to use the corrosion-free CFRP technology, the new Harkers Island Bridge is expected to better withstand the elements in the coastal environment, resulting in less maintenance and a longer lifespan for the new bridge.”