As of 7:00 p.m. November 14, 2012 Dare County and NCDOT have not provided an updated projection for the opening of NC-12 to non 4-wheel drive vehicles. However, given the current conditions, we are doubtful it will be in time for arrivals this weekend.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route and the emergency Rodanthe-Stumpy Point ferry route continue to operate. However, reservations are required for the ferries from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to Ocracoke and are limited. We strongly advise you to call to make a ferry reservation as soon as possible.

With increased occupancy for the holiday, we are expecting the wait for the Emergency Stumpy Point-Rodanthe ferry to be extensive for arriving guests this weekend and departing guests next week.

If you do not get a reservation on one of the Ocracoke ferries, please expect the wait at the Stumpy Point ferry to be lengthy. Come prepared with water, food, a full tank of gas and warm clothing and blankets.

Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

Four Wheel Drive Access to Hatteras Island:
Weather permitting, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles have access to Hatteras Island via NC-12. Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles should expect a rough ride, which will include traveling over sand, damaged pavement and some water. On the sandy portions of the route, they will follow lane markers comprised of barrels, cones and/or flags.

NCDOT asks motorists to follow these important safety measures on the four-wheel drive access:

Only drive four-wheel drive vehicles with a high ground clearance. Cross-over four-wheel drive vehicles that are lower to the ground may get stuck in the rugged terrain;

If you drive at night, use extreme caution. There will be no lights staged along the route, so your vehicle’s headlights will offer the only way for you to see;

Drive slowly;

Pay close attention to the temporary traffic signals; and

All four-wheel drive vehicles are encouraged to lower tire pressure to minimize the chances of becoming stuck.

The four-wheel drive access is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because of the hazardous driving conditions, Dare County first responders are escorting drivers before dawn and after dusk when the road is accessible to traffic.

For updates on four-wheel-drive access and progress on NC 12, visit www.NCDOT.org/travel/nc12recovery

Ferry schedule:
Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

Directions – Rodanthe Emergency Ferry Dock
Located at 23170 Myrna Peters Road in Rodanthe.
• Travel to Rodanthe on NC-12.
• Turn west onto Myrna Peters Road which is located just north of the Community Building in Rodanthe.

Directions to Stumpy Point Emergency Ferry Dock:
Located at 100 Log Storage Road, off Highway 264.

From Nags Head:
(If you are coming from the north, you might prefer to take our alternative route below so that you don’t need to go through the main Outer Banks, which is out of your way.)

• Take the Causeway towards Manteo and continue on Virginia Dare Bridge US-64/US-264 W to Manns Harbor.
• Turn left onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point
• Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
• Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

Alternate Route from I-64 in Chesapeake
• Take exit 291B for US-17 South, VA 168 South.
• Take exit 15B for US-17 South, keep right on US-17 South.
• Follow US-17 South into North Carolina.
• Take US-17 South by-pass around Elizabeth City.
• Continue on US-17 South to NC-37 South.
• Turn left on NC-37 South. (NC-37 South becomes NC-32 South.)
• Follow NC-32 South.
• Make left onto 94 South.
• Make right onto Benson Road.
• Turn left on US-64 East.
• Turn right onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point.
• Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
• Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

If Using I-95 is more Convenient for You
• Follow I-95 South to North Carolina and take Exit 138 for US-64 East toward Rocky Mount.
• Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC.
• From Plymouth, NC keep going East
• Turn right onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point.
• Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
• Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

If you would like to monitor Dare County update bulletins, visit www.darenc.com

NCDOT has a Twitter feed at: http://www.twitter.com/NCDOT

We will continue to update our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/surforsound.