RODANTHE – The N.C. Department of Transportation has initiated efforts to reopen N.C. 12 on Pea Island after high tides from a nor’easter damaged approximately 1,200 feet of pavement near the Pea Island Visitor Center. The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe.
On Sunday, crews began removing damaged pavement from the area, reconstructing a protective dune line, and grading the road bed for eventual paving.
The work continues today, although high tide overwash continues to be an issue along that section of the roadway.
Once conditions improve, NCDOT crews will work to re-establish a one-lane paved detour through the area, monitored by flaggers.
The one-lane detour will remain in place while crews install sandbags to reinforce the dune line and protect the roadway. A vendor is currently in the process of making those sandbags.
Once the sandbags are in place, NCDOT will work to restore a two-lane roadway.
All of this work is subject to improved weather and tidal conditions.
Emergency Ferry Service Continues
Meanwhile, the Emergency Ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point continues running a 24/7 operation. As of Sunday, the emergency route had carried 1,451 vehicles and 2,416 passengers on and off Hatteras Island. Motorists are urged to have patience as each ferry has limited vehicle capacity. For information on schedules and current status, go to the Ferry website at
ncferry.org.
Visitor Restrictions Remain in Effect
As a reminder, Dare County's Emergency Evacuation Order for visitors remains in place. Visitors to Hatteras Island are not permitted. Entry to Hatteras Island remains limited to individuals who qualify under Dare County’s
priority reentry categories. Travelers must present the required documentation.