Repair of Ocracoke Ferry ‘Waiting Lanes’ Underway

N.C. Department of Transportation contractors are rebuilding storm-damaged lanes at the north end of Ocracoke Island that are used by vehicles waiting to board the ferry to Hatteras. Two of the five lanes washed away during extreme winter weather this year.

The restoration will include placing sandbags to protect the lanes, building a sand dune to protect the vehicle waiting area, and resurfacing the lanes.

While the project is underway, ferry traffic bound for Hatteras will be directed into the right northbound lane of N.C. 12, with priority loading traffic staged in the center turn lane and managed by Ferry Division personnel. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution and to slow down when approaching the ferry terminal to avoid collisions with vehicles in the ferry line.

The project will not impede access to Ramp 59, the North Point off-road vehicle beach access, and the restrooms and parking area at the north end of the island will remain open. However, Prong Road will be closed during the project due to construction vehicle traffic.

The $533,000 project is being conducted by Sawyer’s Land Developing of Belhaven, NC. Work is expected to be complete by July 27.