Improvements in passenger ferry service are coming to Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
The National Park Service has approved a plan submitted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to construct improvements to support a Hatteras-Ocracoke Passenger Ferry.
NCDOT requested a special-use permit from the Park Service to construct several facilities within the boundaries of the national seashore to support the operation of a new passenger ferry system. The project will provide another option for transportation service to the seashore and may alleviate some of the vehicle congestion and wait time experienced during the peak tourist season from May through September.
The permit authorizes NCDOT to make several improvements, including:
- The existing Hatteras ferry terminal space will be converted into two additional parking areas to accommodate passenger vehicles and NCDOT ferry division employees.
- A new open-air passenger waiting facility will be constructed in front of the Ocracoke Visitor Center to shelter passenger ferry users from the sun and rain.
- Sidewalk improvements will be constructed to connect the passenger waiting area to the Ocracoke Visitor Center and ferry dock to create safe passageways for travelers.
- A transit pullout area in front of the Ocracoke Visitor Center will be constructed to allow for safe pickup and drop-off of passenger ferry users.
- A new restroom facility will be constructed behind the Ocracoke Visitor Center on an existing trailer foundation to augment existing restroom facilities.
- The existing boardwalk/ramp at the Ocracoke Visitor Center will be relocated to the right side of the deck area.
NCDOT plans to begin construction on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands during the coming winter.
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