The Herbert C. Bonner Bridge departs the northern shores of Hatteras
Island over the Oregon Inlet. The two lane span opened in 1964. Sidewalks are attached to the southern reaches of
the bridge for anglers and tourists alike. Depicted here is the western side of the bridge and Albemarle Sound.
Photo taken 12/16/01.
Erosion control rocks prevent the Atlantic Ocean from
damaging the North Carolina 12 bridge and roadway. The 2.7 mile span arcs northward over marshy areas to the
north of the inlet itself. Photo taken 12/16/01.
North Carolina 12 as it descends toward Bodie Island and
the nearby Coast Guard Station. Photo taken 12/16/01.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Northbound reassurance shield within the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore. This sign is located near the road to Bodie Island Lighthouse. 8.2 miles separate the Herbert
C. Bonner Bridge from the exit of the National Seashore at Virginia Dale Trail. Photo taken 12/16/01.
Junction U.S. 64, 264, & 158 shields posted at the North
Carolina 24 northbound exit of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Virginia Dare Trail enters from
Roanoke Island via U.S. 64 to the left. North Carolina 12 turns northward along VDR along the beach
to the right. Ahead is the connector to U.S. 158 west, the Croatan Highway. Photo taken 12/26/00.
The end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Road. U.S. 64
westbound begins its trek to Manteo, Manns Harbor, and Raleigh here. U.S. 264 no longer overlaps with U.S. 64
to this point. In 2003, the highway saw truncation to Manns Harbor to eliminate the overlapped portion of highway.
U.S. 158 begins its westward journey along the Croatan Highway. 16 miles to the north the highway departs
Bodie Island via the twin two-lane Wright Brothers Memorial Bridge. Photo taken 12/26/00.
Virginia Dare Trail (VDH)
Southbound on VDH approaching the joint termini of U.S. 64
and 158. Departing the scene to the left is Old Oregon Inlet Road. The highway travels 4.9 miles to the south
via North Carolina Road 1243. There is no development on North Carolina 12 due to the National Seashore, but
Old Oregon Inlet Road is lined with beach homes along the entire stretch. Photo taken 04/01.
Two to three blocks separate the Virginia Dare Trail with
the Croatan Highway (U.S. 158). Depicted here is a northbound reassurance shield, posted within Kill Devil
Hills. The Atlantic Ocean is not readily visible due to the placement of beach homes and condominiums. Photo taken 12/16/01.
An end shield is posted for North Carolina 12 (Ocean Trail)
at Corolla. Ocean Trail (NC SSR 1437) continues beyond this shield assembly a short distance to the beach
itself. From there beach access is granted to four-wheel drive vehicles for the 2.5 mile stretch to Carava.
Photo taken 04/01.
