I am extremely fortunate to live in a great area of the country. The weather is fantastic all but a few days a year. Coming from the winters of the northeast that really says something. There are many fantastic beaches within minutes from my home. Even during the summer tourist season the beaches are not crowded like many others. Sunset Beach NC is a small island that did not become a town until about 40 years ago. The beach is wide and the white sand shimmers all year. The town is doing all it can to maintain the small town atmosphere, and doing a good job too. If you are looking for high-rises lining the beach you will not find them here. There is a tiny commercial section but nearly all your purchases will require a drive to the mainland. Here you will find beach houses and a small percentage of condos.
The good news is none of the above is going to change. The 'other' news is both good and not so good. For years access to Sunset Beach island has been limited to a one lane bridge. Not just any bridge but a wooden deck swing bridge. A 'SWING' bridge is simply what it is called. Every hour on the hour and as required for commercial or government vessels, the center of the bridge swings open to allow vessels to pass. I admit to grumbling a few times when catching the bridge as it opens and when it closes the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction get the ONE lane. Extremely quaint and may send some less patient to other beaches.
The change: by this time next year the new 4 lane bridge will be complete. Four lanes with no stopping for the bridge to open as it will be high enough for vessels to pass under at all times. The biggest, some say only, positive is even large fire trucks will be able to get to the island and there is no chance the bridge will be open when an ambulance is needed to get to the other side.
Progress can be a great thing - but I will miss the old bridge just as I do the one at Ocean Isle Beach. The only swing bridge (2 lanes even) left is at Cherry Grove Beach, right across the SC border. It is safe as there is another access by 4 lanes over the waterway a block away. I can always go there and wait while it cycles open and closed.
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