Tag Archives: Bonner Bridge

03/6/12

Bonner Bridge One Lane Until Memorial Day

For vacationers planning a trip to Hatteras Island from now until Memorial Day, Bonner Bridge will be down to one lane while repair work is completed. This may increase travel time so please plan accordingly.

The D.O.T. says crews are replacing deteriorating sections of steel girders over the main channel of the bridge. Work began today and is scheduled to finish by May 22nd, just in time for Memorial Day. There will be a lane closure along a quarter mile section of the bridge. The first couple of days that closure will only be during the day, but will eventually go into effect 24 hours a day. Special decking placed underneath the bridge for workers to use will also reduce the height of vessels traveling through from 65 feet to 61 feet.

08/24/11

NC DOT Plans For Likely Closure of N.C. 12

The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m.

North Carolina transportation officials planning for the arrival of Hurricane Irene say they are prepared for damage to the main highway and bridge serving the Outer Banks.

DOT spokeswoman Nicole Meister said Wednesday that workers are positioning heavy equipment on Hatteras Island to keep N.C. 12 open as long as it is safe for crews to work. The island highway is routinely covered with water and sand during big storms.

Immediately after the storm, workers will inspect the aging Bonner Bridge. The two-lane span is the only link to the mainland for Outer Banks residents. Meister says the bridge will not be opened unless engineers are sure it is safe.

Ferries will be standing by to handle vehicle traffic if the road remains closed following the hurricane.

As soon as we have more information available, we will post a message on our Facebook page and here on our Blog site.

www.facebook.com/surforsound and https://hatterasblog.surforsound.com/

07/6/10

Public Hearings on Replacing the Bonner Bridge

Crossing the Bonner Bridge is such a memorable part of the vacation road trip to Hatters Island, and somewhat marks the official start to your island vacation! Built in 1963, the bridge has far surpassed its 30-year life expectancy and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure safety and continued access to Hatteras Island. The NC Department of Transportation’s Preferred Alternative plan calls for immediate replacement of the Bonner Bridge.

Two public hearings on the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge will be held in Dare County July 6th and 8th to accept public comments on the Environmental Assessment by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) outlining this Preferred Alternative plan.

Warren Judge, Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners explained the importance of getting involved now, “This is a crucial time for the future of the Bonner Bridge. We need people to comment at these hearings in support of the new preferred alternative.” He added, “Replacing the Bonner Bridge is an absolute necessity for public safety and for maintaining our transportation lifeline to Hatteras Island.”

Make your voices heard! In addition to these public hearings, on-line and written comments will be accepted until Aug. 9, 2010. Make comments directly to NCDOT at http://www.replacethebridgenow.com/pub_comment_form.php.

The new Preferred Alternative calling for immediate replacement is supported by Dare County, the Federal Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency along with Congressmen Walter Jones, G.K. Butterfield, Howard Coble, and Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan. NC Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight also supports Bonner Bridge replacement and has twice pleaded with President Obama for assistance.

The first public hearing is Tuesday, July 6 at 7:00pm in Manteo at the Dare County Commissioners meeting room on 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive. The second hearing is Thursday, July 8 in Buxton at the Cape Hatteras Elementary School cafeteria on 47500 Middle Ridge Trail. Click here for more information about the hearings.

For more information and details, visit www.replacethebridgeNOW.com.

12/4/09

Fall and Winter Fishing Heats Up in December

Never mind that it’s winter – the bite goes on along the Carolina coast, and on Hatteras Island particularly, many anglers attest that the fall fishing has never been better.

The top spots are Oregon Inlet just north of Rodanthe, Cape Point in Buxton, and Hatteras Inlet. But no matter what stretch of beach, inshore or offshore, many fishermen are heading home happy, with their coolers full. Continue reading →

03/2/09

The restoration of the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station

Photo by Shiralee Timmons
Photo by Shiralee Timmons

After 20 years of being abandoned, the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station is currently undergoing a much needed facelift. The state-owned historic building is being raised 10 feet into the air and being placed on pilings, allowing sand to blow freely underneath, and help protect the weather-beaten structure.

In addition, the concrete floor is being replaced with wood, and the roof and three-story tower will be renovated as well. The nine-month project, estimated to cost $700,000, is expected to be completed during the summer of 2009. Continue reading →

09/22/08

“Nights in Rodanthe” From Hatteras to Hollywood

Outer Banks residents will be among the first to see the new Richard Gere and Diane Lane movie, “Nights in Rodanthe”, with a special pre-screening 2 days after the premier in New York City, and 2 days before the movie is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide and in Canada.
Based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe was filmed partly in Rodanthe at “Serendipity,” the most northern oceanfront home on Hatteras Island, and the location of the fictional inn that is the main setting of the book and movie. Locals and frequent visitors who have seen the early previews have been pleasantly surprised to see locales they know well, like the long stretch of NC Highway 12 in between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe, and glimpses of the Rodanthe Pier. Continue reading →

08/8/08

The Villages of Hatteras Island

Everyone knows Hatteras Island can be categorized as its own little world, but the seven villages that are tucked in amongst the 70 miles of seashore are unique and different in their own right. When planning a Hatteras Island vacation with Surf or Sound Realty, it’s all about location, and your first step should be selecting the island village that’s perfect for your family. Here’s an insider’s look at the different Hatteras Island villages to help you make your vacation decision.

Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo: While there are no spaces in between or signs to mark the distinction, the first “town” you encounter after the Bonner Bridge is actually a trio of villages. Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo are closest to the activity and attractions in the Northern beaches just 20 miles to the North, but are secluded, quiet, and a stark contrast to the bustle of the Northern Outer Banks. Here, you’ll find miles of private beaches, small stores and restaurants, and close access to the Pea Island National Wildlife refuge, a bird watcher’s paradise. Continue reading →