State officials and environmentalists are nearing a deal to build a 5-mile bridge to link the northern Outer Banks with the mainland. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported Monday that the $650 million toll bridge would stretch over the Currituck Sound to Corolla, known for its lighthouse and wild horses. Projected tolls on the Mid-Currituck Bridge would be $10 to $15 for a one-way trip. The bridge is expected to generate $7 million in its first year. Join discussion...

Had the state built the project the way construction is usually funded, it would have required more than a dozen separate contracts and taken 15 to 20 years to complete.State officials plan to sign a contract with ACS Infrastructure Development by the end of this week. Join discussion...