Speed limit seasonally increased to 55 mph near Pea Island Visitor Center

The speed limit near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center was recently changed from 45 mph to 55 mph due to a seasonal decrease in pedestrian and visitor traffic in the immediate area.

The new-in-2024 seasonal speed zone on Pea Island is only for the area next to the Visitor Center, and the speed limit will return to 45 mph in the spring of 2025.

Seasonal speed limit reductions typically go into effect around May 15 in Hatteras Island’s villages and along certain sections of N.C. Highway 12, (like between Avon and Buxton and between Frisco and Hatteras), where summertime traffic is high.