* 1,000 feet of the old bridge is being kept intact for a surprising reason: The N.C. Department of Transportation is keeping 1,000 feet of the Bonner Bridge intact at the south end, as a pedestrian and fishing pier. But that is only part of the reason it was saved. Turns out a strong current of water called the Davis Slough flows under that section of the bridge, and removing it would change the flow pattern in Oregon Inlet in ways that could not be predicted. Beach erosion and rough currents could result.

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The bridge's end posts have been saved: The 4-foot-long end posts (with metal plaques) at the north end of the bridge were sawed off last week and are being saved as historic artifacts. They will eventually go on display.

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The bridge's bits and pieces will be used to create reefs: The 140,000 pounds of concrete and metal will be hauled out to sea on barges and dumped into the ocean to make four artificial reefs. The sites are 5 to 12 miles off of Oregon Inlet. (No asphalt will be included for environmental reasons.)

* Disturbing marine mammals is forbidden during the work: If a dolphin, sea turtle, manatee or any other marine mammal swims up to the bridge or under it during work, everything must stop until the animal has moved away.