Traffic Improvements Underway in Outer Banks as NCDOT Kicks Off Major Roadwork Projects

Traffic Updates in Outer Banks, N.C.

Outer Banks, N.C. — With the 2024 tourism season now behind us, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is ramping up roadwork that might bring some increased traffic in select areas around the Outer Banks. This week, they kicked off three exciting projects that will improve the roads for both locals and future visitors.

Changes at Whalebone Junction

First up, at Whalebone Junction in south Nags Head, there’s quite a bit going on. Crews have started replacing pipes underneath U.S. 158, which is a vital highway in the area. Once the pipes are out, the road is set to be repaved, making for a smoother ride in the future.

If you’re planning a drive through the area, it’s important to note that the left turn to get onto N.C. 12 and head south towards the stunning Cape Hatteras National Seashore is currently closed due to pipe removal. Don’t worry, though; a detour is in place to guide you through the area safely. Plus, on the bypass, the road has been narrowed from four lanes to two, which means you’ll need to stay alert while driving through.

Expect the pipe removal work to wrap up in about two weeks, and then the detour should be lifted. However, the repaving is anticipated to continue until mid to late November. So, for the foreseeable future, plan to navigate this stretch as a two-lane road.

Improvements in Corolla

Next up is Corolla, where crews are hard at work beneath the shining sun to repave various intersections, side streets, and shoulders. They’re also redoing the markings on the pavement to ensure everyone is on the same page while driving. This project is expected to be completed by early November, so keep your fingers crossed for smooth sailing on the roads around Corolla soon!

New Slash Creek Bridge

Finally, there’s news from Hatteras, where the old Slash Creek Bridge is being replaced. While that might sound like a lengthy project, it’s crucial for ensuring safe passage across the creek for years to come. A detour is set up using Eagle Pass Road to help drivers navigate around the construction. Expect this project to take a bit longer—around seven months—aiming for completion by May 2025. So, if you travel that way frequently, you might want to find alternate routes during this time!

Why Now? The Paving Window

You might be wondering why all this work is taking place now. According to Tim Hass, a communications officer with NCDOT Division One and the Ferry Division, the window for paving on the Outer Banks is relatively narrow. They aim to avoid disrupting the peak tourist season, but the cold winter months also make it impossible to lay asphalt. With only a couple of productive windows in the fall and spring (which tends to be quite wet), it’s essential for the NCDOT to schedule these projects now.

As we transition into the cooler months, let’s embrace these improvements that will not only ease current traffic conditions but also enhance the overall travel experience in the Outer Banks. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, smooth roads ahead will surely be a welcome sight!