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Loading...Updated September 21, 2026 · The State Auditor reported on June 22 that $61 million has been spent across 30 years with no construction started, and that the shortfall now runs $702–832 million. The $173 million ARPO retained in April is held for one year; NCDOT continues to pursue federal grants, toll revenue and public-private partnerships.
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The North Carolina State Auditor released a report on the Mid-Currituck Bridge on June 22, 2026. It found that roughly $61 million has been spent on the project since 1995 without a construction contract being awarded, and that no baseline budget or schedule has been established. State Auditor Dave Boliek said the people of Currituck County "have been dragged along for 30 years."
The audit also found that the traffic, population and tourism projections used between 2012 and 2019 were significantly higher than what has since materialized, requiring reduced vehicle-count forecasts. It made no recommendation on whether to continue or abandon the project. NCDOT has said it remains committed, citing federal discretionary grant programs, toll revenue and public-private partnerships as possible paths to closing the gap.
Two state court challenges to the bridge remain active. A hearing was scheduled for the week of July 27, 2026 at the Dare County courthouse; no ruling has been reported in public coverage as of September 21, 2026.
Sources: N.C. State Auditor · Coastal Review, June 30, 2026
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