RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation has learned that it will cost between $194 million and $250 million to replace the aging bridge that now links Hatteras Island to the northern Outer Banks.

DOT opened bids Tuesday from three companies that want to replace the Bonner Bridge, then adjusted the bids based on a technical score. If a bid is approved, a spokeswoman says a contract could be awarded next week with construction beginning as early as late 2012. The bridge could open to traffic in spring 2015 and be completed the following year.

The Bonner Bridge was supposed to last about 30 years when it was built in 1963. Environmental groups support a longer bridge that would bypass a wildlife refuge but would cost about $1 billion.