Rebuilding of the public boat ramp on Ocracoke is scheduled to begin Jan. 18, the National Park Service announced today.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent David E. Hallac had announced in October that this ramp, at the end of the NPS parking area at the south end of the island, would be rebuilt over the winter.
The ramps were rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012 caused major damage. Although repaired in 2013, boaters quickly noticed that the slopes on both ramps were wrong and neither was long enough for launching. Visitors and locals have continuously complained that the slope is too shallow to float their boats before their rear vehicle wheels become immersed.
John Kowlok, chief of maintenance for the Seashore, said in an email that construction to build steeper and longer ramps will be done by Bobby Cahoon Marine Construction of Grantsboro, Pamlico County. Paramount Construction Group of Ridgeland, Mississippi, is the contractor, which has subcontracted the design of the project to Criser Troutman Tanner Consulting Engineers (CTT) of Wilmington.
The bulkheads and finger piers will remain in the same locations and configuration. During construction, the ramps will remain closed. Total Project cost is $569,529.
“Since the work is weather dependent, our goal, of course, is completion as soon as possible to minimize the impact to the community and our visitors,” Kowlok said. “I can’t really say much more than we are working for a May completion.”
It would be nice if a breakwater was included so your boat isn’t beat to pieces in a 10 knot wind.
Glad to hear it. Who “rebuilt” them in 2013 and why were they so poorly designed? I remember hearing complaints as soon as they were rebuilt. Thanks for your great coverage of all things Ocracoke!
Praise the Lord!!!!!!
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