Public Input Sought on Highway Realignment Proposal
MANTEO, N.C. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Park Service (NPS) are inviting feedback from the public regarding a proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to realign N.C. Highway 12 near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Hatteras Island. Comments will be accepted from November 10 through November 24, 2026.
Details of the Proposed Changes
The NCDOT has submitted a right-of-way application to the USFWS to shift approximately 3,000 feet of the highway westward by about 150 feet. This plan involves the demolition and reconstruction or relocation of the existing Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the restroom facilities managed by the NPS, and associated parking areas.
The motivation behind this proposal is to mitigate the highway’s exposure to coastal hazards, which have previously resulted in flooding and damage to the roadway, leading to extended closures.
Future Access and Facilities
If the proposal is approved, both the visitor center and the restroom facilities would either be reconstructed or moved to a nearby site. A small parking area is planned to remain near the current visitor center to facilitate access to the North Pond Wildlife Trail and the refuge impoundments.
How to Submit Comments
Additionally, public feedback may be submitted via email or by mail to the designated address in Manteo.
Source: National Park Service
