NC12 at Pea Island to open to traffic in both directions Wednesday morning

By Submitted Story on September 29, 2026

(Dare County Emergency Management)

Dare County Emergency Management

UPDATE: As previously announced, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) opened the temporary roadway at Pea Island to northbound traffic at 3 p.m. today (Tuesday, September 29, 2026).   With the initial congestion expected to clear tonight, the temporary roadway will open to travel in both directions beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2026, alternating one direction at a time through the one-lane gravel detour controlled by an automatic flagger system.

When the temporary roadway opens on Wednesday morning, entry to Hatteras Island will be limited to Priority One, Priority Two and Priority Three individuals. Ocracoke Island residents with proper identification are also allowed entry. A new State of Emergency has been declared, reflecting this.

Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island at this time.  Dare County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be stationed at a checkpoint at the north end of the Marc Basnight Bridge to verify credentials for those traveling south onto Hatteras Island.

Visitors Allowed Access to Hatteras Island at 7 a.m. Thursday

All remaining Hatteras Island N.C. Highway 12 entry restrictions will be lifted at 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026. At that time, visitors and the general public will be permitted to travel to Hatteras Island.

The phased reopening provides non-resident property owners, property managers and businesses additional time to access properties and prepare for the return of visitors following several days of disrupted access to Hatteras Island.

Visitors should not travel toward Hatteras Island before the remaining entry restrictions are lifted. Those with upcoming reservations are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm their reservation and property status before traveling.

To learn more about Dare County’s staged entry process or apply for a 2026 entry permit, visit DareNC.gov/Reentry.

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(DriveNC.gov)

Update: Photo from NCDOT show vehicles traveling northbound on NC12 following the opening of a temporary road at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

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(DriveNC.gov)

Opening of NC12 northbound moved up to 3 p.m. Tuesday, no timetable for southbound opening

(Dare County)

NCDOT has announced that a temporary roadway will open to northbound, one-way traffic beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, providing a one-lane gravel detour for traffic leaving Hatteras Island and traveling north.

Once the northbound traffic congestion subsides, southbound traffic will be allowed along the road, with alternating directions of one-way traffic. Dare County will announce when southbound traffic will be allowed. The current State of Emergency restrictions will remain in effect, even when southbound traffic is allowed, meaning only Priority One and Priority Two individuals would be permitted to enter Hatteras Island.

Northbound traffic was lined up overnight in anticipation of the road being reopened. When the temporary road opens, there will be heavy congestion. Drivers should be patient, pay attention and drive through the area with caution.

Emergency Ferry Service Continues; Access to Hatteras Island Remains Restricted:

The NCDOT emergency ferries will continue operating as scheduled, providing a direct transportation connection between Hatteras Island and the Dare County mainland. The route will remain in operation on a 24-hour-a-day schedule until congestion on Hatteras Island subsides and officials determine the route is no longer required.  The one-way trip between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point takes approximately two hours.

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.

Access to Hatteras Island Remains Restricted:

When northbound roadway access resumes this afternoon, access to Hatteras Island will remain restricted under the current State of Emergency.  At this time, entry to Hatteras Island is restricted to Priority One and Priority Two individuals.

Entry restrictions apply to all routes, including N.C. Highway 12, the emergency ferry and routes through Ocracoke Island. Entry into the emergency area by residents of Ocracoke Island in Hyde County is authorized.

View road conditions at DriveNC.gov. More information at DareNC.gov/Storm.