Damage to NC 12 on north end of island restricts access.
Although the Outer Banks were spared the full wrath of Hurricane Florence, there was still significant damage on Ocracoke. The Swan Quarter ferry is providing the only access to the island as NCDOT scrambles to repair damage to NC 12. The Outer Banks Voice has the story.
Ocracoke Island access restricted to one ferry; N.C. 12 closed
Damage to N.C. 12, the only highway on Ocracoke, has left just one way to get to and from the island — by ferry from Swan Quarter on the Hyde County mainland.
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews are working to clear and repair the highway, which was damaged by waves forced through the dunes by Hurricane Florence.
The damage means that the Hatteras Island Ferry Terminal on the north end of the island is out of commission. The Cedar Island docks across the Pamlico Sound have not yet been assessed, according to a statement from Hyde County.
Only those with passes are allowed on the ferry. Passes generally cover permanent residents, essential personnel and people delivering supplies.
“At this time, there has been no determination on when non-resident property owners and visitors will be allowed back to the island,” the statement said. “We will reassess conditions daily to evaluate the safety of allowing full re-entry to the island.”
Dare County, including Hatteras Island, is open and accessible. Under a continuing state of emergency, however, no one is allowed in the water.
Access to Ocracoke is the main problem caused by last week’s storm. The Ocracoke Observer reports that the island otherwise saw no serious damage.
Who will be allowed on the ferry
- Red passes, emergency personnel
- Yellow passes, essential island personnel
- Vendors
- Green passes, permanent residents
Vendor priority list
- Emergency personnel and equipment
- NCDOT highway and power company personnel and equipment
- Sanitation personnel and equipment
- Mail and parcel delivery
- Commodities and fuel vendors
Monday’s ferry schedule
- Swan Quarter departures: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm
- Ocracoke departures: 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
