NCDOT Announces Outer Banks Projects

Reprinted from Outer Banks Voice

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced several major local projects that could begin over the next decade, including an interchange at U.S. 158 and N.C. 12 in Kitty Hawk.

As part of the annual update to the highway department’s 10-year planning document, known as the Strategic Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP, projects are scored on a state, regional and local impact level.

In addition to the interchange beginning as early as 2019, the update includes widening U.S. 158 between Barco and Belcross as early as 2025 and a second passenger ferry to run between Hatteras and Ocracoke, as soon as 2027.

These will be placed on the STIP, which will allow for funds to be budgeted for planning, right-of-way acquisition and then eventual construction.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Short Cut Road to superstreet configuration, $91.6 million, right of way 2023, construction 2025.
• Second passenger ferry, Hatteras dock parking lot, $6.5 million, construction 2027.
• Kitty Hawk interchange, $32.2 million, right of way 2027, construction 2029.

An environmental review is under way for the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge. A timeline for the project is pending approval of the review.

This story is provided courtesy of the Outer Banks Voice, a digital newspaper covering the Outer Banks. Coastal Review Online is partnering with the Voice to provide readers with more environmental and lifestyle stories of interest about our coast.