WILMINGTON, N.C -- A Wilmington community is closer to getting a much anticipated bridge.

A train derailment back in 2013 left the Love Grove community stuck for hours because there is only one entrance and exit for the entire community.  

"Well you felt like you were being held hostage. I couldn't get out. There was no way for anyone to get out. No one could come in, not even emergency equipment, a rescue squad a fire truck," says Love Grove resident Lynda McMillan.

A year ago, Wilmington Council Members approved a $5 million contract for a 700-foot bridge to create a second access.

“Providing this second access is going to make life easier for those folks and we’re excited about it,” says City of Wilmington Spokesperson Dylan Lee.

In 2014, city officials agreed on a $44 million transportation bond to complete 38 projects in the Port City with the biggest one being the Love Grove bridge that was scheduled to take up a year and be completed in December. 

"Obviously we’ve had some weather situations, so the original timeline might have been for the end of 2017, but were definitely slated for April of 2018,” says Lee.

The new access would not only help the residents, but also emergency crews if a train derailment were to happen.

As for McMillan, she is just so happy to see the progression and can’t wait until it is finally done.

“I went down to look at it one day and found tears just rolling down my face. It’s just amazing.”