Repairs begin on Ocracoke soundside boat ramp

The National Park Service announced today that repairs of the Ocracoke soundside boat ramp are scheduled to begin this week. 

The boat ramp and adjacent bulkhead were damaged during strong winds and high tides as Hurricane Sandy passed the Outer Banks of North Carolina in late October 2012.  The huge storm brushed the Carolina coast but left damage and debris in the wake of the turbulent ocean and sound conditions.

The new year will bring a fresh look to the popular boat ramp as repairs get underway.  Repairs include removal of the buckled western and eastern bulkhead and additional repairs to upgrade the three composite wood docks by widening and making them more sustainable for the wide variety of boats that utilize the boat ramp.  The improvements will provide a more stable access to the Pamlico Sound for recreational users to the Seashore.

Additional work includes:

Demolition of the existing east and west wooden bulkheads adjacent to the boat ramp.

Demolition of the damaged wooden docks.

Installation of new vinyl bulkheads east and west of the boat ramp.

Installation of new concrete docks.

DOT Construction, Inc., a firm from Beaufort, N.C., is the selected contractor to design and construct the needed repairs.  The construction is expected to be completed by Feb. 21. 

Because of the extensive work on the bulkhead and docks, it is necessary to close the area during the construction phase. 

For more information, contact park headquarters at 252-473-2111.