N.C. Highway 12 reopens on Pea Island with temporary gravel road

North Carolina Department of Transportation officials have reopened a section of N.C. Highway 12 on Pea Island using a temporary one-lane gravel road. The reopening, which occurred at 3 p.m. Tuesday, provides northbound access for travelers attempting to leave Hatteras Island following damage caused by a recent nor’easter.

The storm damaged a 1,000-foot stretch of pavement near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, forcing the road to close. To manage the flow of traffic, northbound and southbound vehicles will alternate on the temporary gravel stretch once northbound congestion subsides.

In addition to the road repairs, an emergency 24-hour ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point remains active to assist with the movement of people and goods. Dare County has maintained emergency entry restrictions, limiting ferry departures to Hatteras and Rodanthe to permanent residents, essential personnel, and critical business vendors. Visitors are currently not permitted on Hatteras-bound ferries.