Changes Coming to Carova Beach Use

County Commissioners Consider Beach Parking Fee for Northern Tip of Outer Banks
Carova Beach is the main thoroughfare north of Corolla.
Carova Beach is the main thoroughfare north of Corolla.

There may be some changes coming to how the beaches of Carova are enjoyed this summer.

The Currituck County Commissioners are considering an ordinance that would charge a fee to park—not drive—on county beaches in the 4WD area.

It is important to note that this is still tentative; the commissioners have not voted on any legislation yet. Equally important, this does not impose any fees on driving on the beach.

The proposal is a response to growing complaints and concerns that beachgoers parking in the middle of the beach are creating a hazard in the 4WD area. Because the beach is the the main thoroughfare between the end of the paved section of NC12 and Carova, the safety of drivers and the people enjoying the beach have become an issue.

As now proposed the fees would be somewhat similar to the structure used for NPS 4×4 permits.

As now proposed, there would be two parking pass fees—a $50 for a 10-day parking pass or $150 that would be valid for a calendar year.

According to the reporting we’ve seen, the permits could only be purchased at the County’s two visitors centers in Moyock, just over the state line, or at the visitor’s center in Corolla. Similar to the NPS system, purchasers of a permit would have to watch a video on safe use of the beaches.

There are a number of concerns with the proposal as written.

With travelers already using the visitor’s centers heavily during the summer, a number of critics have wondered if staff is adequate to handle the new demands. The purchase of a pass would also require a second stop for travelers who have often been driving for most of the day.

Under the current proposal, Currituck County residents and property owners would not be charged for a pass.

Bonner Bridge Replacement Update

Artist's rendering of the Jug Handle, Bonner Bridge project.
Artist’s rendering of the Jug Handle, Bonner Bridge project.

The replacement for the Bonner Bridge has always been the big cog in the wheel to improve the transportation corridor through Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Other pieces of the puzzle are coming together as well, and things are really getting busy as the road project takes shape. 

The Big News

The big new coming from NCDOT is that a contract has been awarded for the Jug Handle that will bypass the S Curves. The S Curves, just north of Rodanthe has, in the past, been prone to flooding and ocean overwash.

A beach nourishment project completed last year seems to be holding the ocean back for the time being. There is, however, wide consensus that beach nourishment is a temporary fix.

The Jug Handle is aptly named; swinging west about a mile north of Rodanthe, the road will cross the marsh on the soundside and extend into Pamlico Sound coming back to NC12 just north of the Island Convenience store.

The winning bid was for $145 million. The scheduled completion date is 2020.

New Inlet Replacement Almost Complete

Opened by Hurricane Irene, the breach just north of New Inlet has been crossed by a temporary bridge since December of 2011. Although the breach filled in with a year, the area is considered unstable and prone to ocean overwash and flooding.

A more permanent replacement bridge is almost completed. NCDOT is confident it will be open by the original estimate of April of this year.

Unlike the Bonner Bridge Replacement and Jug Handle, which are projected to have 100 year life spans, the New Inlet bridge will have a 25 year lifespan while a more permanent solution is researched.

Bonner Bridge Replacement
Pouring decking on the Bonner Bridge in January.
Pouring decking on the Bonner Bridge in January.

Slated to be open for traffic in the fall of 2018, according to NCDOT the project remains on target.

NCDOT is reporting decking is being poured on areas of the bridge that are nearing completion.

Construction is moving from the north and south simultaneously. The final piece of the puzzle will be the high-rise portion of the bridge, designed with seven navigational spans to give boat traffic options the original Bonner Bridge does not.

Independence Day Explodes on OBX

Ready to parade at the Town of Duck's annual July 4th celebration.
Ready to parade at the Town of Duck’s annual July 4th celebration.

The Outer Banks is about to explode. Blow up. Light the sky. Ok…not literally, it’s just that July 4th is coming and with all the celebrations of our nations birthday there will be plenty to do and plenty of fireworks.

For people who like to start their day gasping for air as their muscles cry out for relief, check out the Killer Dunes 2-miler. That two miles over the sand dunes of Jockey Ridge State Park is on two miles of consistently soft sand; that two miles will probably feel more like 20 by the end.

A quick shower and the town of Manteo is just 10 minutes away from Jockey’s Ridge. The Independence Day celebration is an all day affair for the town—food, games and entertainment all day long and fireworks at Roanoke Island Festival Park at night.

The Town of Duck knows how to put on a good time and their Annual Independence Day Parade has to be experienced to be described. A touch of insanity, a good dose of humor and a great time for everyone. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and although the route never makes it to NC12, traffic gets really backed up in the morning. It’s good to be hard of that.

Lots of fireworks too in the evening. Everywhere from the Whalehead Club in Corolla to Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo. A tip from a long time resident—the beach is great place to watch the fireworks. Another tip—the Whalehead Club is always spectacular.

4th of July Events

2016 Killer Dunes 2-Miler & Fun Run

8:30am

Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head

A2 mile course on the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States! Quarter-mile Fun Run also available for all ages. Proceeds benefit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge.

12th Annual Town of Duck 4th of July Parade

9:00 a.m.

Town of Duck

After the parade, Duck Town Park features a Dixieland band, watermelon and the awarding of trophies.

Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate the birth of our nation with a day filled with activities.

July 4th Celebration with Town of Manteo Fireworks/Live Concert

Roanoke Island Festival Park Outdoor Pavilion

Music and Fireworks-Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and families and friends. The nation celebrates July 4th at Roanoke IslandFestivalPark. A patriotic concert will began at 8 p.m.roanokeisland.com

The Town of Kill Devil Hills 4th of July

Avon Pier

Town Of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Town of Manteo Fireworks

Downtown Manteo. Fireworks begin at 9:30 at RIFP.

Whalehead Club-24th Annual Independence Day Celebration

Corolla Festival of Fireworks Monday, July 4th, 2016 from 12pm – 9pm

The 24th Annual Independence Day Celebration in Corolla offers an afternoon of family activities. Food vendors, a cornhole tournament, watermelon eating contest, and children’s games. Admission and parking are free; event starts at 5:00 p.m. with a fireworks display at dusk.

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