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NCDOT Reopens One Northbound Lane on Pea Island Ahead of Schedule
By Drooid · · How we work
Early Reopening of the Temporary Lane
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced that a single-lane gravel stretch of N.C. 12 on Pea Island will reopen to northbound traffic at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, a full day earlier than the previously scheduled Wednesday morning opening. The temporary lane will operate as a one-way passage controlled by an automatic flagger system, with southbound traffic to be permitted only after congestion eases and Dare County officials give the signal.
Nor’easter Damage Prompted Closure
The highway segment between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe has been closed since early Thursday after a powerful nor’easter caused ocean overwash that damaged roughly 1,000 feet of pavement near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. The damage forced the closure of the two-lane, paved configuration of N.C. 12.
Traffic Management and Expected Congestion
NCDOT reported that northbound drivers began lining up overnight in anticipation of the lane’s reopening. Heavy congestion is expected as traffic merges onto the single-lane gravel route, and motorists are urged to remain patient, stay alert, and travel cautiously. An automatic flagger will alternate one-way traffic, and the emergency ferry service between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point will continue its 24-hour schedule until traffic conditions improve.
Ongoing Restoration Work
After tidal conditions receded on Sunday, crews started rebuilding the protective sand dune along N.C. 12 and removed the damaged asphalt and grading. Aggregate and gravel have been placed to form the temporary lane, while work continues to restore the highway to its full two-lane, paved state. No definitive timeline has been set for the complete reopening.
Impact on Travelers
Drivers can monitor current road conditions via DriveNC.gov. The early reopening aims to alleviate the bottleneck on Hatteras Island, but the combination of a single-lane detour and continued ferry operations means travelers should allow extra time for the journey.