Hatteras Light Station Restoration Update- March 2024

Scaffolding reaching the top of the Lighthouse

NPS Photo

Updated: April 12, 2024
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During the month of March, significant progress was made on preparing both the lighthouse and surrounding landscape for the continuation of the restoration project. Most notably, the exterior scaffolding has reached the top of the lighthouse, over 200ft from the ground. In the coming weeks, the top of the scaffolding will be added, as well as an external supply elevator, completing the exterior scaffolding.

The grounds are safely open for visitation, but visitors should be aware of the ongoing construction. A temporary walking corridor has been installed to allow access to the Museum of the Sea while work begins on the landscape.

Preservation crews have also begun exploring the best methods for removing the paint from the lighthouse. Crews have to be careful to make sure that all the paint layers are being removed while not damaging the brick beneath. Chemical paint strippers seem to have worked the least effectively, while a vapor blasting process, similar to sand blasting, seems to have worked the best.

Worker holding the temporary beacon that was installed at the top of the scaffolding for the duration of the restoration

NPS Photo

Key Highlights from March 2024:

• Exterior scaffolding completed to the top of the lighthouse.

• Interior scaffolding has reached the third landing.

• Work has begun to match bricks for needed patches and repairs

• Testing of paint removal techniques on the base of the lighthouse

• Working with local engineers to ensure that the striped pattern will be mimicked perfectly during repainting.

• The temporary beacon has been acquired. The temporary LED array will be installed on the top of the scaffolding and activated once the current beacon is deactivated. The temporary beacon is US Coast Guard approved, visible for 18 miles, and will flash every 7.5 seconds.

• The first sections of new pathway were poured.
  
  
  Anticipated Highlights for April 2024:

• Total completion of exterior scaffolding

• Installation of Temporary beacon

• Completion of interior scaffolding

• Continued progress on paving of pathways.