Wednesday, October 14, 2026
By Submitted Story on September 28, 2026
(Dare County)
Shortly after noon on Monday, Sept. 28, Dare County issued this update release on the situation on Hatteras.
NC12
NCDOT expects to open a temporary roadway at Pea Island along N.C. Highway 12 on Wednesday morning, Sept, 30, providing a one-lane onsite detour for traffic leaving Hatteras Island and traveling north.
The temporary detour will initially accommodate northbound traffic only. There is currently no timeline for when the roadway will open to southbound traffic traveling to Hatteras Island. Until the temporary roadway opens, there continues to be no road access between Hatteras Island and areas to the north.
Ferry Services
The NCDOT emergency ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point will continue to provide a direct transportation connection between Hatteras Island and the Dare County mainland while N.C. Highway 12 remains closed.
Three ferries are currently operating on the emergency route. Depending on the mix of passenger vehicles, trucks, trailers and commercial vehicles, each ferry can typically carry approximately 25 to 30 standard vehicles per trip. Combined, the three ferries are able to transport approximately 250 vehicles from Rodanthe to Stumpy Point over a 24-hour period.The one-way trip between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point takes approximately two hours.
Emergency Ferry Terminal Locations:
Stumpy Point Emergency Ferry Dock
100 Log Storage Road, Stumpy Point, NC 27953Rodanthe Emergency Ferry Dock
23170 Myrna Peters Road, Rodanthe, NC 27968The ferry departure times are as follows:
Rodanthe to Stumpy Point: 2 a.m., 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Stumpy Point to Rodanthe: 2 a.m., 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
NCDOT has also restored regular ferry service from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island (operating on a limited schedule) and continues to provide ferry service on the routes between Ocracoke Village and the mainland (Cedar Island and Swan Quarter). These routes may provide an alternative option for leaving Hatteras Island. Those wishing to access the mainland via Swan Quarter or Cedar Island are reminded that reservations for those ferry routes are required. Reservations can be obtained online at ncferry.org or by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY.
Leaving Hatteras
Dare County understands that the long lines and extended wait times for the emergency ferry have been difficult and frustrating for those trying to leave Hatteras Island. With limited capacity on each crossing, significant delays continue, and travelers should be prepared for extended waits.
There are no restrictions on leaving Hatteras Island. Vehicles departing from Rodanthe for Stumpy Point are generally loaded on a first-come, first-served basis. Vendors returning to the mainland after delivering essential supplies to Hatteras Island receive priority boarding.
Travelers waiting for the ferry are encouraged to be prepared with necessary medications, food, water and other essentials. Dare County appreciates the patience and understanding of those who are waiting as NCDOT continues emergency ferry operations while work to restore roadway access moves forward.
Hatteras Island Trash Collection
Commercial trash collection on Hatteras Island will begin late on the evening of Monday, Sept. 28 and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 29. Three trucks will be working to complete commercial collection throughout all Hatteras Island villages.
Residential trash collection will resume on the regular schedule for Hatteras Island customers beginning Thursday, Oct. 1.
To sign up to receive a text and/or email when Dare County Public Works announces trash collection schedules due to inclement weather or holiday closures, please visit DareNC.gov/Subscribe.
For the latest updates from Dare County, visit DareNC.gov/Storm. Also follow Dare County Government on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
