[EXPIRED] LNM: UPDATE! (See Good News Below) Closed to Navigation, Alligator River Bridge, 7AM to 7PM, Nov 6-17, AICW Statute Mile 84
This LNM is an update to an earlier Local Notice that promised that one of the two channels would always be open to navigation during this lengthy maintenance project. Because many southbound cruisers were delayed by Irma and Maria, these closures will definitely impact float plans. With a closed vertical clearance of only 14ft, Alligator River Bridge crosses the Waterway at the south edge of Albemarle Sound. SEE GOOD NEWS UPDATE from 11/7
NC- ALBAMARLE SOUND – ALLIGATOR RIVER – US64 – ALLIGATOR RIVER BRIDGE – CLOSURE
The US 64 (Alligator River) bridge, over AICW (Alligator River), mile 84.2, near Columbia, NC, will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position to facilitate bridge maintenance of the bridge deck of the swing span bridge. The bridge will maintained in the closed position from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday through Saturday; from Monday, November 6, 2017, through Friday, November 17, 2017. The bridge will be able to open on signal during closure periods, if at least 2 hours notice is given. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so at any time. All others should adjust their transits accordingly and use caution when transiting the area. Chart 11553 LNM 43/17
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Bridge
Comments from Cruisers (5)
We are docked at the Alligator River Marina for the night with high winds and I called the bridge tender and he said he is and has been opening bridge on request.
11/7 I just spoke with the Alligator River Bridge tender this morning and was told that the bridge is opening with about about a 5 minute delay to clear construction workers.
The bridge tender said that he heard nothing about the closing that you reported.
John Viera
The Manteo Town docks are free for 1 night…no services. No reservations. There are 3 spots suitable for drafts of 5’+… lots of other slips for those with 4.5′ or less at white lighthouse. Call Manteo Town MARINA if you need directions to the free areas. You are also free to anchor in the triangle formed by the white lighthouse, the brown topped gazebo and channel marker #10. Dinghys tie up at base of lighthouse dock.
Manteo Town Marina has slips available @ $1.65/ft with all ameneties (wifi/elec./cableTV/showers etc) but suggest reservations as the bridge closing
may fill things up quickly. Call Carl Jordan/Dockmaster 252-473-3320.
Shallowbag Bay Marina also has transient slips and fuel @ (252) 305-8726
Pirates Cove Marina just before the Baum Bridge to starboard has slips and high speed fuel. 252-473-3906
Email info@fishpiratescove.com
Remember that daylight savings ends Saturday nite… so plan your daylight travel accordingly!
Given this “turn of events,” it should be noted that there is a way around this bridge, and it’s actually 10 miles shorter between Norfolk and Oriental. Instead of the Alligator River, transit East to Roanoke Island, and follow the Roanoke Channel south. Visit Manteo and Ocracoke Island. Manteo is a wonderful little town with a lot to see and do; especially, see the Lost Colony Plantation! Ocracoke is also fun. Stay at the USACR Dock, any one of several marinas, or on-the-hook. The run from Ocracoke to Oriental through Pamlico Sound is exposed, like the Albemarle itself, so plan accordingly.
[Editor’s Note: If you are considering Jim’s suggested alternate route to the east and require more than 44ft air draft, you must take Roanoke Sound and not the deeper Croatan Sound which is crossed by a fixed bridge with a vertical clearance of 44ft.]
What horrible timing