Construction work begins at Ocracoke Light Station; limited visitor access to site expected over next 12 months

Construction work is proceeding for a $3.6 million project to raise and make repairs to the Double Keepers’ Quarters (DKQ) and other structures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ocracoke Light Station. Terra Site Constructors LLC has been contracted to complete the project.

During the 12-month project, access to the boardwalk and lighthouse will mainly remain open, though there will be temporary closures to install an accessible pathway from the existing boardwalk to the DKQ. Parking directly in front of the light station will be closed for the duration of the project. Visitors should park in the gravel parking lot located approximately 200 feet northeast of the light station on Lighthouse Road.

A tree health assessment was conducted as part of the design phase of this project. All the larger live oak trees, determined to be in fair or good health, will be protected and remain on the landscape. Of 28 trees that were assessed, eight were identified to be in poor condition due an advanced state of decline. Four live oaks in the front of the DKQ will be removed due to poor condition and to allow for appropriate installation of beams and other equipment to raise the structure.

Additional site preparations and initial construction include:

• Removal of all shrubs and saplings within 6 feet of the house, primarily located south and west side of the house to allow for raising of the structure.
• Construction fencing will be installed around the limit of construction to include the current parking area in front of the light station.
• Interior demolition will begin to prepare the house for raising. Chimney stacks may be disassembled and reconstructed as part of the project.
• Large trucks may begin to deliver construction materials and other equipment. These deliveries may result in short travel delays in front of the light station.

Visitors to the site should expect the entire area to be under construction for a minimum of twelve months. During the year-long project, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will provide project updates through news releases and social media accounts.