Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are requesting public feedback on an environmental assessment for the construction of a new multiuse pathway along Lighthouse Road, in the Seashore’s Hatteras Island District.
The comment period began Monday and ends March 28. Comments may be submitted electronically, which is preferred or mailed to Superintendent, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
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A new pathway would provide users in the village of Buxton with a resilient, safe and accessible route to many of the seashore’s key visitor use areas including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Museum of the Sea and beach accesses, officials said.
There are two alternatives and analysis of their potential impacts are presented for public review in the Construct Multi-use Pathway in Hatteras Island District environmental assessment and newsletter.
Alternative A is no action. Preferred Alternative B is to construct a multiuse pathway.
The following are details the seashore provided on the pathway:
- A 1.6-mile-long paved multiuse pathway would be constructed on one side of the road in two segments.
- Elements of the pathway include wayfinding signage, benches, bollards and the reconfiguration of the Seashore entrance for intersection improvements and connections to local sidewalks.
- A standard 5-foot vegetative buffer parallel to Lighthouse Road from N.C. 12 to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and beach access areas would be created to enhance safety.
- The multiuse pathway would follow American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials standards with a minimum of 10-foot-wide path for two-way bike travel.
- An educational plaza with comfort station and picnic tables, benches and bike racks would be constructed.
- This alternative would allow bicycles, electric bicycles and motorized wheelchairs on the new pathway.
- This alternative would not allow equestrian use on the new pathway.
