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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Off-Road Vehicle Beach Access Ramps Reopen After Storm

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Date: August 24, 2009
Contact: Cyndy Holda, 252-473-2111, ext. 148

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the reopening of most off-road vehicle beach access ramps in Cape Hatteras National Seashore after the passing of Hurricane Bill offshore of the North Carolina coast.  The storm caused high tides, strong surf conditions and flooding, and resulted in the closure of all vehicular beach access ramps on Friday evening, August 21, 2009.  

As of Monday morning, August 24, 2009, all ramps have been reopened, except for Ramp 4 located near Oregon Inlet, Ramp 45 located near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Pole Road located near Hatteras Inlet.  All three areas experienced ocean overwash and/or heavy rains leaving flooded conditions too deep for vehicles to safely pass.  National Park Service maintenance crews are working to reopen all three areas, which are expected to reopen within the next 24-hours or when conditions allow the safe passage of vehicles.


For more information, visit:   http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

The Principal Lightkeeper's Quarters and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move toward their new homes, a safer distance from the ocean.  

Did You Know?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick structure ever moved. When it was built in 1870, it stood 1,500 feet from the shore. By 1999, the lighthouse was within 100 feet of the ocean. To protect it from the encroaching sea, it was moved inland a total of 2,900 feet over a 23-day period.

Last Updated: August 24, 2009 at 15:25 EST