Dare County to submit grant application for next phase of Frisco-Buxton pathway
The Dare County Board of Commissioners have agreed to submit a National Scenic Byway Grant application at the request of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway Committee to fill in another piece of paved multi-use path for Frisco and Buxton.
The villages are the only ones on Hatteras Island without completed paved pathways.
“The Frisco Buxton Pathway Project committee members are ecstatic to have the support of the Board of Commissioners and we are committed to completing the entire 7.63 miles of multi-use pathway,” said Stacey Saunders, chairperson of the committee.
If funded, the next phase would include design and construction of a one-half mile concrete multi-use pathway that would run from 53194 N.C. Highway 12 in Frisco at the parking lot of Hatteras Sno-Balls and Ice Cream to Billy Mitchell Road.
That would provide safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists to the beach at ORV Ramp 49, and for those staying at the National Park Service campground to businesses and attractions located along N.C. 12.
Once funded, project design and construction could begin in the fall of 2025 or sooner.
The Frisco-Buxton Pathway Committee has been holding numerous fundraisers at the campground and elsewhere on the island to help fund the pathway.
Planning for the entire pathway began in late 2018.
A community meeting in 2019 shared details of the proposal to build a path from the National Park Service bathhouse between Hatteras village and Frisco to Buxton Backwoods Road.
Due to the number of wetlands, businesses, landmarks, and streams along the proposed route, there were some extra considerations along the way in its overall design.
The pathway jets out closer to N.C. 12 when it encounters area businesses in order to protect parking, and crosses from the oceanside to the soundside in several busy locations.
Crosswalks will also be installed at key locations where the path is on the opposite side of N.C. 12 from popular spots.
The first 1,400 foot section was privately funded by Frisco Woods Campground and was completed earlier this year. It runs from near Pamlico Deli to Hatteras Sno-Balls.
“We will continue to strive to keep our community members and guests safe, even if we have to complete the project one square at a time,” said Saunders.
