The 2026 budget mandates that NCDOT begin collecting tolls for the currently free Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferries by Jan. 1, 2027.
Ocracoke
‘There’s no way’: Hanig decries rationale, rush to toll ferries
Sen. Bobby Hanig says the Jan. 1 deadline is impossible, but legislative leaders have so far refused to budge on the date by which the Ferry Division must implement tolling for the four state ferries that now are free to ride.
Outer Banks organization asks lawmakers to delay ferry tolls
Pushing the North Carolina Ferry Division’s deadline to enforce toll fees at all of its ferry routes by one year would give officials the time they will need to develop, test and deploy a new collection system, the Ocracoke Access Alliance says.
Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry resumes summer schedule
The vehicle ferry that carries travelers between Hatteras and Ocracoke is back to the full summer schedule now that nighttime dredging of Sloop Channel is complete.
Brinson touts bills to ax ocean erosion-control structure ban
Sen. Bob Brinson discussed the bills last week in committee, measures that would undo four decades of coastal policy, just as the science advisory panel to the Coastal Resources Commission readies a report on these structures’ effects and effectiveness.
Temporary schedule set for Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry
The Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry will operate on an alternate schedule while Sloop Channel is being dredged, a project that is expected to take about a month to complete.
NCDOT ferry system adds summer routes for Pamlico Sound
The summer schedule for N.C. Department of Transportation ferries that cross the Pamlico Sound include additional routes.
Graveyard of the Atlantic unveils ‘Raid on Ocracoke Inlet’
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras has unveiled a temporary display detailing events that took place on Ocracoke between patriots and loyalists during the American Revolution.
Hatteras-Ocracoke passenger ferry offers summer service
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, which provides direct service from Hatteras to the heart of Ocracoke Village, is now operating through the summer season.
Ocracoke decoy festival to highlight Eddie O’Neal’s carvings
Lifelong waterman and islander Eddie O’Neal is the featured carver for this year’s Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival Friday and Saturday in the Ocracoke School gym.
NC Lighthouse Challenge part of the US’ 250th celebration
For the NC Lighthouse Challenge, participants must visit 10 historic lighthouse sites and submit their photos with the lighthouse visible by the Dec. 31 deadline.
Four ferry routes expand schedules for spring season
NCDOT increased Tuesday departures for the ferries traveling between Hatteras-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, Cedar Island-Ocracoke and Southport-Fort Fisher.
Study of past erosion-control lessons key to ongoing review
Analyzing lessons learned over decades of fighting back the ocean is critical as the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s Science Panel wraps up its ongoing study of the effects of permanent beach erosion control structures such as seawalls and jetties.
NCDOT to expand Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule
With daylight saving time little more than a week away and spring temperatures on the horizon, state transportation officials are adding more departures to the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.
Researchers need Ocracoke residents’ perspective for study
A team of researchers want to hear from Ocracoke residents their perspective on managing challenges associated with the island’s changing environment.
Climate change compounds challenge to stabilize beaches
Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
