RODANTHE – State transportation officials are reminding people that N.C. 12 is closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe after reports of individuals apparently seeking access to the closed road to gather photos and video.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has received reports in recent days of individuals driving to the site and apparently claiming to be local residents with priority access, and other people attempting to access the road closure site by beach.
N.C. 12 from the Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe remains closed to the public. The road is dangerous for travel due to continuous coastal flooding brought about by king tides, as well as broken pavement, and the constant movement of heavy equipment from NCDOT crews working in the area.
People should not attempt to travel on the closed area of N.C. 12 or go around the barricades and road closure signs. They are there for everyone’s safety.
Currently, there are only two ways to access or leave Hatteras Island – either by using the emergency ferry between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point, or traveling on the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke. Both ferries are operating with limited service and people are urged to use the ferries for essential travel only.
For a complete ferry schedule, visit the NCDOT Ferry Division’s website.
Moreover, Dare County’s state of emergency remains in effect and prohibits any visitors to Hatteras Island at this time. For more information on the latest from Dare County, please visit its Coastal Storm Updates webpage.
NCDOT has reported more than 1,100 feet of damaged pavement near the Pea Island Visitor Center. On Sunday, NCDOT crews continued their efforts to stockpile sand while waiting for tides to subside enough to restore protective dunes and rebuild the highway. NCDOT did start removing sections of broken pavement on Sunday.
But there is no timeline for when crews will be able to rebuild and reopen the road, as king tides and persistent winds continue to flood the highway near the visitor center.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.