The area around Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be an active construction site when the first phase of a $19.2 million project to restore and rehabilitate the historic structure begins later this month.
Visitors should expect the entire area to be under construction for a minimum of 18 months, National Park Service officials said Monday.
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This phase of the project is to include rehabilitating the interior and restoring the exterior of the lighthouse, repairing and replacing deteriorated materials and finishes, and landscape improvements.
“After a lengthy and thoughtful planning process, we are excited to take this significant step towards preserving an iconic historic landmark,” National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac said in a statement. “We thank our visitors for their patience and understanding as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and its surrounding landscape are restored and enhanced over the next couple of years.”
The fabrication and installation of a replica first-order Fresnel lens is part of the project. A temporary beacon will be installed on the exterior of the lighthouse, but there will be periods of time that the light is turned off due to construction.
In addition to the site having limited access for visitation and viewpoints during the project, access to the Cape Hatteras Light Station will vary and temporary closures will occur. The exterior of the lighthouse will be scaffolded for the duration of the project.
The primary construction entrance will be at the east of the current main entrance to the light station. A portion of the parking area will be closed for several months for the delivery of project materials and staging for construction.
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The Keepers of the Light Amphitheater stones will be stored during the construction and be placed in the lighthouse district when construction is complete to honor the keepers and educate the public about their role in caring for the lighthouse.
The work is a combined effort of the National Park Service and Stone and Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. based in North Brookfield, Massachusetts
In coordination with the contractor, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will provide opportunities for visitors onsite to view construction activities, access the Museum of the Sea and learn about the restoration project as construction schedules allow.
During the multi-year project, the seashore will provide project updates on its project update webpage and social media accounts.
