NCDOT crews trying to open N.C. 12 before next high tide; Ferry for folks who need to leave Hatteras departs at 4:30 p.m.

Per a 2:30 p.m. update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), N.C. Highway 12 remains closed north of Rodanthe, but crews are working as hard as they can to reopen the road for a brief window before the next high tide at about 7:30 p.m.

The last high tide cycle deposited a large amount of sand on the roadway, and work is also being slowed by obstacles in the road. “We are doing everything we can to reopen the road briefly before the next high tide cycle, but at this point there’s no guarantee,” said the NCDOT in an online update.

For those stranded on Hatteras trying to get to the mainland tonight, there will be one ferry departing Hatteras village at 4:30 p.m. for Ocracoke-Silver Lake.

Once there, motorists will immediately need to transfer to the 7 p.m. ferry from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter, arriving in Swan Quarter at approximately 9:30 p.m.

This will be on a space-available basis only.

The Island Free Press will continue to post updates as soon as they are available.