The Jug Handle Bridge down on Pea Island is finally open. It’s about three months past when NCDOT had hoped to have it open, but at long last the 2.4 mile bridge that will bypass one of the most dynamic stretches of beach on the Outer Banks finally has traffic flowing on it.
This is one time when the delay was all about government insisting on quality. Back in late May the last step before opening was painting the center stripe and shoulder marking. NCDOT had very specific specifications for the paint, and in fact, a delay was waiting for one of the few companies that could provide the service to be available.
However, when the markings were laid down, the did not meet NCDOT specifications and the next three months included cleaning the wrong paint off the road and putting new paint down.
It may seem like a small thing, but the paint that was required has reflective qualities and the original paint did not.
The $155 million project bypasses the S Curves, a section of the beach just north of Rodanthe that is considered one of the finest surfing areas on the Outer Banks. But the same forces that create great conditions for surfers are the same conditions that during storms created constant overwash of the highway.
The Jug Handle Bridge, located well to the west in Pamlico Sound completely bypasses the S Curves and keep the highway connection with the towns and villages of Hatteras Island open regardless of weather.
There is still some work being done on the bridge, although it is not readily apparent from the road. Power lines connecting the Hatteras and Ocracoke networks are being run beneath the bridge. There may be occasional delays as world progresses.
The old highway will be taken up and the area allowed to revert to its natural state. There is a parking lot on the north end of the S Curve area allowing public access to the beach.
Wow is there some exciting news happening on the Outer Banks. Come visit and see what it’s all about while staying in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.