The proposed deepening and widening of the Wilmington Harbor to accommodate larger ships is the latest in what Cape Fear River advocates say is a long list of threats.
Transportation
Waterways panel eyes Avon, emergency ferry harbors
Now that the dredge Miss Katie has improved conditions in Hatteras Inlet’s Connector Channel, the Dare County Waterways Commission is looking ahead to long-discussed projects in Avon Harbor and the Stumpy Point emergency ferry harbor.
Cedar Street update to include stormwater management
Beaufort’s Cedar Street, formerly the town’s U.S. 70 corridor, is to undergo major updates that include stormwater management and resurfacing.
Most of 2014 regional bike, pedestrian plan still just a plan
One advocate calls the mostly unrealized Croatan Regional Bicycle and Trails Plan “a critical step” in creating a true multimodal transportation system.
Inlet channel maintenance made simpler: Go with the flow
The Corps of Engineers now says it has authority to follow the deepest natural water, or best water, in the Rollinson Channel Navigation Project linking Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Submerged power lines further delay ferry channel realignment
Underwater power lines crossing Hatteras Inlet’s Connector Channel have created another delay in finalizing the realignment of the Hatteras ferry channel.
With sale, Bald Head Island ferry to remain privately owned
The company buying the ferry and related assets promised a smooth transition with no increase in fares for at least a year.
Long-delayed Ocracoke passenger ferry gets underway
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s first passenger ferry originally planned for a 2018 launch was christened Monday and has begun making runs between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Commission OKs turnaround area, sandbags for NC 12
The Coastal Resources Commission has given the N.C. Department of Transportation approval to build a turnaround and sandbag structure perpendicular to the shoreline where the existing highway will come to a dead end once the Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge is opened to traffic.
Bridge will bypass Pea Island, but refuge access to remain
The new “jug handle” bridge bypassing the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is set to open early this year.
Researchers eye alternative energy to power state ferries
The North Carolina Ferry Division and university researchers are studying possible ways for alternative energy to power the state’s 21 ferries.
Federal infrastructure deal could mean billions for state
Although details are yet to be finalized, the deal struck this week on a major federal infrastructure spending plan could mean billions for N.C. transportation, resilience and clean water projects.
Officials Seek Long-Term Plan to Save NC 12
Finding solutions for imperiled N.C. 12, including the ferry terminal at Ocracoke Island’s north end, is a “top priority,” an NCDOT official told the Coastal Resources Commission.
Ferry Division’s Needs Among NCDOT’s Woes
Coastal residents and the economy depend on the state’s ferry system, but disasters, shoaling, diminishing funds and an ageing fleet compound the challenge.
Port’s Environmental Study Awaits Funding
Planned deepening and widening of Wilmington harbor, the first project subject to a new fast-track federal process, was authorized in December, but the environmental review remains unfunded.
Hertford County Cable Ferry Resumes Service
Though repairs and COVID-19-related budget issues interrupted service of the state’s three inland cable ferries, Parker’s cable ferry that crosses the Meherrin River in Hertford County is back in service.
