Notice that the bridge is only one lane. It has been the topic of controversy among the community. Many want to upgrade the bridge for easier access to the island, while others feel that the bridge should remain as is to help limit the number of people crossing to the island. North Carolina rates its bridges on a scale of 1-100 (100 being the highest rating) and Sunset Beach’s rates a lowly 4. There is now a plan to replace the pontoon bridge with a highrise, fixed span bridge 65 ft high and 2370 ft long. View of Pontoon Bridge