(RALEIGH) -- State officials say plans to build a new Bonner Bridge on the Outer Banks will move forward in spite of a lawsuit filed by a environmental groups.  State DOT spokeswoman Greer Beaty said many studies have been done to prove that the project is environmentally safe.

"We've spent more than $16 million to review every possible alternative so that we can build this bridge and make sure that we protect the environment that is so unique and so special," said Beaty.

The Bonner Bridge is 49 years-old, well beyond its original stated life span.  The state DOT believes that, at this point, it is better to build a new one than to continue to repair the old one.  The plan for the new bridge has it running parallel to the existing bridge.

Bids to design and build the new Bonner Bridge will be opened July 19, allowing the winning team to begin getting permits.