By Connie Leinbach
UPDATE (Oct. 21, 1:48 pm.): Ferries are running between Ocracoke and Hatteras on the following schedule: Departing Hatteras at noon and 3 p.m. Departing Ocracoke at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Since NC12 on Ocracoke is open, the N.C. Ferry Division is working on establishing a reduced Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule that would start later today (Oct. 21), NCDOT Spokesman Jamie Kritzer said.
In addition, the Ferry Division is in the planning stages of activating the emergency ferry route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, he said.
NCDOT will announce departure schedules if the route is activated and will announce any additional ferry schedule changes, if necessary.
This is all because NC12 is still closed from Marc Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe since the high tide overnight (Oct. 20) caused the northbound lane of N.C. 12 at the Pea Island Visitor Center to be undermined and buckle.
The road has sustained 800 feet of pavement damage at the Pea Island Visitor Center (the area of the road closure), NCDOT said in a Facebook post.
This is the same area that was destroyed by the nor’easter that hit at the end of September three weeks ago and then was repaved.
In total, 1,800 feet of protective dunes have now been lost at the Pea Island Visitor Center, as continuous waves have pounded the dune and undermined NC12.
Also, in the area of the road closure significant blown sand is present in the canal zone.
No overwash at the north end of Ocracoke has been reported.
Today, NCDOT crews are assessing pavement damage to NC12 at the Pea Island Visitor Center and fortifying undamaged areas with protective sand on the road shoulder and rebuilding the protective dunes.
Dare County’s state of emergency for Hatteras Island remains in place and visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island at this time.
Check back here for updates and get real-time travel updates at DriveNC.gov.
