News

Actions

Highway 12 remains closed, may reopen by Thanksgiving

Posted at 2:11 PM, Oct 31, 2012
and last updated 2012-10-31 18:27:27-04

Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, north of Rodanthe, remains closed due to impacts from ocean overwash.

Based upon NCDOT’s initial assessment, it is projected that Highway 12 from Oregon Inlet to Rodanthe will open by Thanksgiving.

Currently, Highway 12 is clear between all the villages of Hatteras Island.

The emergency ferry service established by NCDOT will continue service from Stumpy Point to Rodanthe that will operate with restricted entry on the following basis -

• Departing Stumpy Point at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5 and 7.

According to Dare County Emergency Management, Priorities One, Two and Three will have access to and from Hatteras Island.

Photos: Damage along NC 12 in Dare County

Visitors will not be allowed to enter Hatteras Island yet, but will be allowed to depart. Essential commodities, as determined by DCEM will have top priority.

Priority One includes - Essential personnel (utilities, government, assessment teams, medical/health care), white Disaster Re-entry Permit/Critical Personnel Pass required;

• Priority Two includes - Hatteras Island residents (must have a valid NC driver’s license with Hatteras physical address), personnel of crucial businesses (Orange re-entry permit/Priority II personnel pass required); and

Priority Three includes - Non-resident property owners and employees of Hatteras

Island businesses (2012-2013 Burgundy reentry permit required, or present a tax receipt with valid identification for reentry)

There will be law enforcement in place at the emergency route to determine re-entry status. Contact Dare County Emergency Management at (252) 475-5655 for additional information on re-entry guidelines.

Important Information for Visitors –

At this time, visitors are not allowed entry to Hatteras Island. Dare County officials are working with state and local authorities to determine when conditions will allow visitors to return. Visitors are encouraged to continue to check http://www.darenc.com for updates and to keep in contact with their accommodations provider.

NCDOT Inspection of the Bonner Bridge –

Crews have done an on-site inspection of the top part of the bridge and examined the water depth around the support columns. NCDOT will be releasing the results of these inspections; meanwhile the Bonner Bridge remains closed to traffic until NC12 on Pea Island can be restored.

Electric and Phone Service – Hatteras Island

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is now on normal operations with service to all Hatteras Island Villages. CenturyLink has repaired a damaged fiber link, which has restored cell phone and internet service on Hatteras Island.

Community Meeting –

The Avon Volunteer Fire Dept. is hosting a community meeting at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 1. Everyone on Hatteras Island is invited to hear updates from NCDOT and representatives of Dare County, and ask questions about the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dare County Public Works – Trash Collection Schedule For This Week:

Commercial pick up will be on:
• Wednesday, October 31, 2012 and Friday November 2, 2012.

Residential pick up will be on:

• Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 — Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, and Colington
• Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 — Manteo, Wanchese, Manns Harbor, Stumpy Point, East Lake

All areas of Hatteras Island will be collected on Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2 as road conditions and ferry operations allow.

The Dare County Transfer Station located in Manns Harbor is open for business.

Dare County Planning Department – Important Information

Residents whose homes or businesses have experienced flooding of electrical outlets or electrical equipment should contact a North Carolina licensed electrician to inspect for possible electrical hazards.

Building permits are not needed for non-structural repairs such as shingle replacement. All structural repairs or improvements will require a building permit. However, there will be no building permit fee charged for storm damage repairs in unincorporated Dare County.

Additional Information –

Highway 158 in Kitty Hawk is now open for vehicular traffic. There is one lane north and one lane south open to all motorists. Proceed with caution when entering this area of the Bypass.

The N.C. Missions of Mercy, a FREE adult dental clinic is STILL being held November 2nd and 3rd at The Dare County Youth Center and Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills. Registration begins at 6 a.m. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis based on dental procedure and registration will close once the maximum number of patients that can be seen is reached. So, plan to be there early, bring warm clothes, blanket, chair, food, water and medicines if you plan on sitting in the line for an extended period of time. Adults in need can receive free dental exams, cleanings, fillings and extractions. To find out more information, call 252-255-6199.