NC12 reopens on north end of Ocracoke, state of emergency lifted nearly week after Erin

On Monday, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced that NC 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island will open at 5 p.m.

In addition, vehicle ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke islands will also resume at the same time.

NCDOT says the ferry will run the following schedule on Monday night:

• From Hatteras: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 pm., 11 p.m., and midnight.

• From Ocracoke: 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and midnight.

The Hatteras route will run its full summer schedule between Hatteras and Ocracoke beginning Tuesday, DOT says in a news release.

This marks the final ferry route to resume service and the last stretch of N.C. 12 to reopen since Hurricane Erin passed by the North Carolina coast last week.

The highway was closed the evening of Aug. 20 after severe overwash from Hurricane Erin inundated a section of the highway with deep water and sand north of the National Park Service Pony Pens.

All Dare County offices and facilities Hatteras Island will resume normal hours of operation starting Monday, the county said.

Dare County Public Works will resume regularly scheduled residential and commercial trash for Hatteras on Monday.

Dare County Water Department tried to restore water service in an aera located south of N.C. 12 and along Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton. Crews then found a water main break in the shoreline; repairs could begin Saturday afternoon if conditions allow.

This entire area (highlighted below) is currently under a system pressure advisory and will be under a 24-hour boil water advisory. Alerts will be sent out to customers impacted.

Bottled water is available at the Cape Hatteras Water Plant at 50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936.

For details and updates regarding Dare County service impacts, visit DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has deemed all of N.C. 12 in Dare County safe for travel.

Following the mandatory evacuation order, Dare County officials have launched a staged reentry process. Locals, property owners, and workers can begin traveling on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island starting at noon.

Dare County officials have already launched a staged reentry process after the mandatory evacuation order. Locals, property owners, and workers can now travel on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island, starting at noon.

"This staged reentry process enables those who live on Hatteras Island to return to their residences-and for those who own property on Hatteras Island to check their homes before visitors are permitted to return. In addition, it enables employees to return to assist businesses and property managers with preparing for the return of visitors," the county said in a press release.

Access to N.C. 12 will be at Basnight Bridge. Visitors will be allowed entry starting Sunday at 5 a.m.

NCDOT crews are working to clear remaining sand and water from the highway. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, drive slowly, and provide space for personnel to complete the cleanup.

The highway was closed on the evening of Aug. 20 after severe overwash from Hurricane Erin inundated several sections. It remains closed at the north end of Ocracoke Island, between the South Dock Ferry Terminal and the National Park Service Pony Pens.

Heavy rain is expected on Sunday, which may increase the risk of flooding in certain areas of Hatteras due to drainage challenges.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said Friday evening that NC Highway 12 will remain closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras and on the north end of Ocracoke Island as cleanup work continues across the road.

The department shared photos of sand covering NC 12 on Ocracoke north of the Pony Pens on social media.

Officials said during the evening high tide, the department saw more ocean overwash at Buxton and Ocracoke; however, "new" dunes at Hatteras and Pea Island held up.

Despite the closure of the highway, the NCDOT said ferries between Cedar Island, Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke are operating for residents, property owners, and essential personnel.

The ferries will be open for visitors beginning on Saturday at 10 a.m.