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Onslow Beach Swing Bridge

Mile Marker: 240.7
Lat / Lon: N 34° 34.367' / W 077° 16.300'
Bridge Type: Swing
Vertical Clearance (Closed): 12.00 ft.
Horizontal Clearance: 80.00 ft.
Schedule:
See Editor's Note on schedule change.
(Use northwest draw) Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the draw need only open on the hour and half hour. All other times on signal.

Ed Note: The bridge operator operates precisely on schedule. In addition, you MUST signal, even though the operator may see you waiting. Reviews state that there has been a schedule change and that the bridge opens only on the hour. This is not reflected in the CFR's nor NTM's.

Editor's Note: Bridge schedules are subject to temporary change due to repairs, maintenance, events, etc. Check the Waterway Explorer for possible nav alerts.
VHF Channel: 13
Phone: 910-440-7376

16 Boater Comments

These are observations from the boating community. Waterway Guide information is verified regularly and all efforts will be made to validate any new updates submitted here. Thank you for taking the time to share comments about your experience.

Waterway Guide reserves the option of editing reviews and comments for grammar, clarity and the removal of defamatory or potentially slanderous language. When appropriate, reviews are forwarded to businesses for response prior to being made public. We will make every effort to be objective and impartial when posting reviews, but do not publicize details of disputes between parties.

Comment by: Lynne Richmond on Dec 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

This bridge operator was rude and not forthcoming at all with the bridge schedule. He would not answer our radio calls, claiming something was wrong with our radio. Once he finally did open the bridge he came through loud & clear on the radio telling us to hurry up because he was on a schedule. The bridge is under construction so the schedule is subject to change, 12/19/24 there were only two windows for a possible opening 12pm-1pm and 5pm-6pm. Find the Coast Guard's notice to mariners for details, because the bridge tender was actively unhelpful.

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Comment by: Stacy Steiner, One Life, on Oct 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Oct. 23, 2024. The bridge only opens on the hour not half hour anymore per the bridge tender. No more openings upon request.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  <p>It appears the bridge is operating in violation of the CFR's. There is nothing posted in the Notice to Mariners that modifies this.</p><h2 data-hierarchy-metadata="{"path":"/current/title-33/section-117.821","citation":"33 CFR 117.821"}" style="font-weight: bold;">§ 117.821 Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Albermarle Sound to Sunset Beach.</h2><p> </p><div id="p-117.821(a)"> <p class="indent-1" data-title="117.821(a)" style="margin-left: 12px;"><span class="paragraph-hierarchy" data-original-title="" title=""><span class="paren">(</span>a<span class="paren">)</span></span> The drawbridges across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina shall open on signal for commercial vessels at all times and on signal for pleasure vessels, except at the times and during the periods specified in this paragraph:</p> <div id="p-117.821(a)(1)"> <p class="indent-2" data-title="117.821(a)(1)" style="margin-left: 24px;"><span class="paragraph-hierarchy" data-original-title="" title=""><span class="paren">(</span>1<span class="paren">)</span></span> Onslow Beach Swing Bridge, mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the draw need only open on the hour and half hour.</p><p class="indent-2" data-title="117.821(a)(1)" style="margin-left: 24px;"><br></p></div></div>
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Comment by: Rick Vicars on May 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

5-23-24 If you arrive at the bridge before 0630 the bridge will open on demand, we passed through at 0620.

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Comment by: Elizabeth Lenoski, Tranquilo, on May 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.0'

Tranquilo just passed though at 7am. I called the tender yesterday and got confirmation that the schedule will be on demand between 7p and 7a, top of the hour from 7a to 7p. Until further notice.

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Comment by: Anamarija urh, TiAmo, on May 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.5'

We decide to aim for 7am before the bridge work started. There were several boats waiting and the bridge open early to let us by 15 min ahead of schedule. Very helpful gentlemen at the bridge when we called and inquire about works in progress

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Comment by: Gary Harkins, Nauti-Dog, on May 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'

Called bridge 5/2/24, Today it is opening at the top of every hour. He shared there are live fire exercises today. Boats allowed through at top of every odd hour only. Very helpful.

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Comment by: Darlene Sanchez, Sirene, on Apr 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Opens at top of hour ONLY. April 17, 2024
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  See Editor's note in bridge listing.
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Comment by: Leif Duvall on Mar 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

3-25-24 at 4:35 PM Confirmed with bridge operator: from 7AM to 7PM Onslow Bridge will only open on the top of the hour.

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Comment by: Robert Sherer on Mar 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

The Onsllow Beach Bridge changed from evey 1/2 hour for an opening to only on top of the hour until the bridge construction is completed. I verified this with a the bridge operator on 3/24/2024 at 1:45 pm
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  Waterway Guide is attempting to find official notifications via LNM, other sources.
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Comment by: Jason Cora on Mar 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 5.0'

Effective March 22, 2024 the bridge will only open on the hour to minimize wear on the equipment.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  The above comment is based on a comment from the bridge tender. Waterway Guide has not found any official notice of this change.
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Comment by: Ginger, GINNY, on Mar 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Very nice operator. Barge on the North side of the bridge limits passable access to about 22 feet. We are 15 1/2 and with the current it was a little tight.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  Barge is related to new bridge construction.
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Comment by: Tricia Rogers on Apr 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

The bridge tender is super nice. It opens on the hour and half hour. Call to let him know you are coming. They are currently building a brand new bridge right next to it. There were no delays as of this date. Just be aware.

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Comment by: Brian W, Slow Ride, on Jun 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Onslow Beach Bridge tender was courteous. Bridge opens on the hour and 1/2 hour as advertised.

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Comment by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Nov 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

Great bridge tenders. Current isn't nearly as bad as I expected even against tide. Barge traffic can make it tricky.

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Comment by: Wally & Coco on Oct 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Nicest bridge tender!! He knew the wind was gusty and opened early and held the bridge for 7 boats. Call on phone or 13. Thank you, sir!

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Comment by: Mike on Oct 23, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

All Sails must be furled prior to passage thru the bridge.

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Onslow Beach Swing Bridge

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