Paper nautical charts are popular as wall art but their usefulness to mariners has waned, and NOAA plans to transition from hard copy to digital maps of the nation’s waterways.
Transportation
Port Officials Review Expansion Study Draft
Ports officials last week downplayed environmental challenges identified in the first draft of a feasibility study for the proposed deepening and widening of the Wilmington shipping channel.
Kirkman: Port Study Could Avert Controversy
Carteret County’s economic development director says a recent study of what it would take to make the state port’s Radio Island property ready for industry can help the ports authority avoid past mistakes.
Despite Objections, CRC OKs Port Expansion
The Coastal Resources Commission granted a variance allowing the Wilmington port to expand its turning basin but bristled over ports officials’ handling of the request and lack of transparency.
NCDOT to Talk Cape Fear Crossing Options
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is holding Monday and Tuesday open houses and public hearings on the proposed Cape Fear Crossing project officials say will ease traffic congestion on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Groups Set to Challenge Mid-Currituck Bridge
Opponents of the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge have asked the N.C. Department of Transportation for additional environmental review and promise to take legal action if refused.
Dare County Agrees to Lead Dredge Project
Dare County’s recent decision to handle the dredging of Manteo channel, which the county manager said is “good for everybody,” will allow the state-owned Elizabeth II currently stuck at its Roanoke Island Festival Park mooring to sail.
Transportation Costs Could Total $266 Million
N.C. transportation officials presented damage reports, repair-time estimates and cost projections to a legislative committee Wednesday, framing Florence as North Carolina’s costliest storm.
Amid Evacuations, NC 12 Open … For Now
As thousands depart North Carolina’s Outer Banks this week in advance of Hurricane Florence, state transportation officials are busy working to keep N.C. 12 open to traffic.
Wilmington Port Looks to Lure Bigger Ships
The N.C. Ports Authority is seeking public input on plans to better accommodate larger and more fully loaded ships at Wilmington, including ideas that worry environmental groups and others.
Carova Beach Parking Dispute Continues
A judge has rejected a request for a temporary injunction that would have halted a new county fee on nonresident beach parking in Currituck County, but a Virginia off-road club vows to keep fighting.
Damaged Pipe Complicates Dredging Job
A project to dredge the emergency ferry channel in Rodanthe Harbor, a critical route for Hatteras Island when roads or bridges are inaccessible, has been complicated by the discovery of a broken culvert.
Bonner Bridge Replacement Work Continues
Work continues on the long-planned replacement for the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet and is scheduled to open to traffic during the fall of this year.
Ocracoke Express Ferry Expected This Fall
The Ocracoke Express Ferry is expected to be delivered later this fall, when the ferry will undergo sea trials, and be ready for operation in spring 2019.
Little Support for Ferry Route Cuts, Fare Hikes
Recommendations for cutting state ferry runs and increasing fares ran aground last week during a legislative committee meeting, but legislators appeared more supportive of proposed partnerships for passenger ferries.
Ocracoke Readies For Trams, Passenger Ferry
With a funding commitment from the state for trams on Ocracoke village, Hyde County officials are readying for the state’s first high-speed passenger ferry that will shuttle visitors between the island and Hatteras.
