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With a new bridge, how much can Carova handle?
Traffic can get heavy in the summer along the 11-mile section of beach to Carova. (Coastal Review Online)
Coastal Review Online
CAROVA – At 6 a.m. on a July day last year, volunteers posted themselves near the entrance to the unpaved area on the northern tip of the Currituck County Outer Banks and started counting.
There were vehicles with North Carolina tags. Vehicles with Virginia tags. Open “cattle trucks” with groups of tourists. Rented Jeeps. Guided tour vehicles.
All day and into the night, they kept coming. By 8:30 p.m., the numbers were impressive: A total of 1,136 vehicles — 207 of them related to tours — holding 3,663 people. All driving along 11 miles of sand road in Carova.
“Can you imagine the impact that the Mid-Currituck Bridge would have on these numbers?” Lynne Wilson, a Carova resident, said in an e-mail. “The safety of beachgoers is threatened now and will be disproportionately threatened if bridge traffic turns north, which of course, it will.”
As the state approaches the final step in the planning process to build the 7-mile toll bridge from mainland Currituck County to Corolla, many residents of Corolla and the unincorporated off-road community, where 136 wild horses famously roam, are cringing at the prospect that it may actually happen.
“It’s going to bring significantly more people,” said John Grattan, a semi-retired environmental attorney who lives in Corolla.
And when the weather makes beach-going impossible, he said, all those vacationers, en masse, will head south. “Once they’re here, the first rainy Thursday is going to be the biggest nightmare you ever saw.”
The preferred route has the bridge anchored off U.S. 158 north of Aydlett and landing between the Corolla Bay and Monteray Shores subdivisions, at least 300 feet from houses and lots on N.C. 12.
At the same time, the $660 million project, which was first proposed about 20 years ago, is strongly favored by Currituck and Dare counties and the towns of Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores and Duck, which have suffered through hours-long traffic backups on U.S. 158 and N.C. 12 every summer for years. At the height of the season, it can take four hours on a Saturday to reach Corolla from Moyock, normally 1.5-hour trip.
The bridge would shave about an hour off the drive from Virginia and decrease the volume of heavy traffic. Proponents also say the bridge would make hurricane evacuation time faster, increase employment opportunities on both sides of the bridge and decrease commuting time for seasonal workers.
“There is a congestion problem, I agree, on certain weekends,” Grattan said. “But the proposed bridge solution is a ridiculously expensive and environmentally damaging option (that’s) solving the congestion problem at the expense of Corolla.”
The wild horses of the northern Outer Banks compete with SUVs on the beach.
In just a short drive to the north, the asphalt ends and the land of wild horses and beach driving begins.
Wilson said that tourism promotion of the off-road beaches, featuring photographs of the wild horses on the edge of the surf, has been wildly successful.
“The results are evident,” she said. “Tourists are flocking to Currituck’s off-road beaches. And the outcome might very well be self-defeating: overcrowding and unsafe beaches are not a destination of choice.”
As the numbers of day-trippers have increased, so has development. But many of the 180 or so year-round residents in Carova are concerned that infrastructure is already being strained, and it’s only 20 percent built-out. There are no restaurants, bathrooms or gas stations. The only public parking is on the beach, where trucks bounce along just a few feet from sunbathers. Sometimes, wild horses join the crowd, strolling down to the water to cool off.
“Each year, more and more traffic comes up here,” said Jerry Gillet, the secretary of the Carova Beach Volunteer Fire Department. “Sometimes the beach is very, very difficult to negotiate because of the traffic and the horse tours. Sometimes we have a hard time negotiating our emergency vehicles.”
Driving in sand is tricky, and often day visitors are inexperienced. Consequently, they don’t let the air out of their tires, causing their vehicles to get stuck or their tires to spin, leaving behind ruts.
“When you multiply that by hundreds of vehicles over 11 miles, it creates a washboard effect,” said J.P. Peron, owner of The Outer Banks Real Estate Co. in Carova.
(NCDOT)
Until about 2005, Carova was truly remote and isolated. Gillet said that for years after moving to the community in 1998, his North Swan Beach house was the only one within a quarter-mile in either direction.
“When the building boom happened,” he said, “I’m guessing in the general vicinity, there must have been 30 houses put up.”
Originally, in the late 1970s, the area was platted for commercial use, with developers counting on a highway being built from Sandbridge, Va, said Ben Woody, Currituck County planning director. But in subsequent years, part of the land was acquired for False Cape State Park. Then the federal government designated the entire off-road area as a COBRA zone, precluding the purchase of federal flood insurance and restricting certain infrastructure.
“When they platted it, I don’t think they intended there would be no roads there,” Woody said.
Currituck County later zoned Carova — the name blends Carolina and Virginia — as single-family residential with a minimum lot size of three acres.
The developer of a proposed 37-acre commercial development in Swan Beach, the northern-most subdivision, sued Currituck County in early July over the county’s rejection of a request for a conditional zoning change from residential to commercial. The proposal includes plans for an inn with 32 suites, a fishing pier, shops and restaurants.
Woody said that, as of 2011, a total of 3,150 lots were platted in the 12,000-acre off-road area. Of them, 665 have been permitted, and 2,526 are vacant lots. And many of those were grandfathered when the current 3-acre zoning was implemented.
“We have thousands of one-third- and half-acre lots that can be built upon,” he said.
There are no restrictions on the number of bedrooms in a house, he said, as long as the parcel is big enough to provide septic. So far, the largest house in Carova is 23 bedrooms, and there are numerous houses with 10 to 18 bedrooms.
Yet, with no central water or wastewater system in Carova — it’s all wells and septic tanks — and a high water table, Woody said, there are legitimate concerns about how much capacity remains for growth.
A beach driving committee last year recommended that the county hire a consultant to conduct a study on establishing a permit system for off-road vehicles. It also recommended that numerous improvements be provided, including educational signs, a bathhouse, air stations and better ramp maintenance. Some recommendations have been implemented, but the permit system is not one of them.
Currituck County recognizes the value of an infrastructure study in Carova to determine what must be addressed as the community continues to accommodate more visitors and more development, Woody said. But so far, he agreed that issues have mostly been dealt with in a piecemeal, as-needed, basis.
“We haven’t stepped back,” he said, “and really looked at that area comprehensively to project into the future the need for planning.”
If the Mid-Currituck Bridge is built, whether more people come or not, Carova will become more accessible.
But the bridge is not necessarily a done deal. In addition to stiff opposition from a substantial number of northern beach residents, the bridge is vulnerable to cuts in the state budget and to lawsuits. Although the project would be partially funded by user tolls, it is also dependent on millions of tax dollars toward payments on revenue bonds.
So-called “gap funding” appropriations for the bridge and another toll project in Gaston County were cut from this year’s budget because they were not expected to be needed until June 30, 2013, said Greer Beaty, a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman.
The Currituck project’s record of decision, the last step required before construction can begin, is expected any time now, Beaty said. After that is issued, those objecting to the project have 180 days to file a lawsuit.
Barring legal action, Beaty said, the DOT has “other resources that we can and will use” to move the project forward if the $28 million in gap funding is not restored.
Bridge opponent Jen Symonds, an Aydlett resident and a founder of No Mid-Currituck Bridge said she believes the Currituck bridge may be doomed by a combined loss of political support and lack of money. It’s difficult to defend, she said, spending $660 million — and charging a $28 toll each way — to save tourists an hour of driving about 26 days a year.
“My understanding is that the GOP leadership does not think this is a viable project,” Symonds said. “I don’t think it’s going to get the funding. I think the days of mega-projects for powerful politicians are gone. The state can’t afford it.”
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flo says:
They will be paving Carova Beach soon. The natural beauty and habitat will be turned into a paved parking lot with stinky septic overflow after every heavy downpour! But people are broke and will sell their land to the highest bidder. People may stop going to Carova Beach once it is turned into another Kill Devil Hills.
Salvo Jimmy says:
Not to mention the increase in beach ORV traffic that will result from more and more restrictions on access, both ped and ORV, within CHNSRA.
Virtualguy says:
“… as the (Carova) community continues to accommodate more visitors and more development…”
THAT is the problem. Like the rest of the Outer Banks, which has been so grossly exploited, Carova is a unique environment with a very fragile ecology. It simply cannot handle more visitors and more development and still maintain the very elements that make it a special place. Exploiting Carova for it’s monetary value, rather than protecting it for it’s natural beauty and unique ecology, would be a travesty.
Wake up, people. Carova is all that’s left. Pave it and put a bridge in and you might as well flush this place down the toilet, because that’s about all it will be good for.
skiffguide says:
Every single person quoted in this article is a transplant. They blew in, got whatever it is they wanted from Currituck Beach ( mostly money) and now they resent anything or anyone who comes along after they became the new “locals”. What has happend to Currituck Outer Banks is the net result of human greed, hate, and mistrust. So to all of you “residents”- you’ve got exactly what you wished for. Enjoy!
Mike says:
It doesn’t help that Judge Broyles has closed the southern beaches from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke. Now those folks are headed to Corolla.
NH Resident says:
Currituck County needs to put a permit system in place like exists now in the CHNS/NPS beaches from Oregon Inlet through Ocracoke!
That’d be one way to stem the massive flow of vehicular traffic…and they should not wait for the bridge to come, either. They should do it now, with or without the bridge coming.
Steve says:
Yes… BRING THE BRIDGE!!! As a resident of mainland Currituck, I would like to access my own counties beaches without having to drive hours in the opposite direction. As much as residents would like to think of Corolla and Cardova as gated communities… I understand the desires of the locals to want to keep people out. But the locals were once outsiders too. So what is good for the goose should be good for all eh…
scott says:
Scary to think they might actually have to have parking or restrooms up there. That is a lot on currituck county’s plate, not sure they’re up to it.
Sue says:
“the Currituck bridge may be doomed by a combined loss of political support and lack of money”
We can only hope so.
NagsHeader says:
Don’t you just love it when folks who come here to live whine about folks coming here.lol
“I WANT MY CAKE & I WANT TO EAT IT TOO!!!”
Enjoy & make the best of what you had a part in ruining is the best advice that I can give ya.:O
cjs says:
all valid points, Carova and Currituck need to get together and come up with a growth plan that involves proper zoning and regulations before this ever comes up. This would be fair for everybody involved, and simple. As the bridge topic goes, we need to move forward with the bridge. It is safer for hurricane “evac” and better for Currituck and Dare Counties. Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Duck are a nightmare… too many cars for too little road… And, if there is a problem with financing for the bridge, put a toll on the thing and let locals apply for a year round permit at a much discounted price… simple, right? …. maybe too simple…
barbara b says:
Years ago – when I first heard about the possibilty of the bridge I thought “YAY”
now ….. please dear lord, Noooooo!!!!!
So much wildlife and beauty WILL be lost forever.
sigh …. I will keep fighting against it.
Beached Bum says:
if everyone would take a moment to realize how much revenue the horse tour companies generate for the county and how much they donate to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund maybe they would not complain as much. The biggest issue is that everyone wants to make money of tourism but then complains about the crowds you cannot have your cake and eat it to
Beached Bum says:
Also must I remind everyone that after Irene last year the road was closed in Duck and Corolla was completely cut off until Duck saw it fit to open the road again there needs to be more than one way to evacuate
Gail says:
God forbid that someone must wait in traffic to get to a beautiful destination like Carova. If you’re coming here on vacation why are you in such a hurry and if you’re working just try to adjust your time. This is the most beautiful place in the world and I for one would like to keep it that way. Must everything always be about conveniences of life. Why can’t you just be excited that you’re on vacation and relax, regardless of traffic. Most likely you’re only here one week out of the year, grin and bear it please and don’t support a bridge.
Upnorth says:
Having vacationed on the beautiful Outer Banks yearly since 1988 I have to agree with no new bridge. My family and I are willing to wait in traffic in order to maintain the beauty and natural state of the area as much as it can be. There may be some resentment towards those of us who travel to the Corolla to enjoy the area, and I understand that. I do support maintaining as much of the splendor of your fine area as possible.
Carol Wallis says:
WOW !! I’ve been feeling sorry for myself living on Hatteras Island and not being able to drive on the beaches here; Never even THOUGHT about your issues up in Corolla & Carova. Catherine Kozak’s article brought new insite on what you ALL are seeing UP THERE way-north of US !! Our thoughts, prayers and perhaps some NEW ways to handle issues like DOWN here on OBX & HI need to be thought out & DONE!! I wish I was brilliant enough to come up with the suggestions to fix it all !! Love Carol
jeff says:
If the state has 600 million to put into a bridge when are they going to replace the Oregon Inlet bridge? I think replacing that bridge is far more important than building a new one.
Salvo Jimmy says:
I recall when there was a gate at about the Dare Currituck line and the road past it was private.
My further recollection is that at some point the property owners did not want to keep paying for road maintenance to keep the road private, so they turned it over to the state in order that “other folks $s” would help out. That resulted in NC12 being extended to the access ramp in Corolla.
The area to the North of Corolla was kept isolated with the idea that a road would eventually come down from VA. That never happened and only folks who were “grandfathered” property owners were allowed to access from VA. I also recall that few of those owners are now left. I further recall the grandfathering does not pass to even family owners who inherit.
Thus it seems that very early owners in the area who did not want to pay for “gated” access were the start of the congestion that now exists. And no doubt some of these early owners were developers or had that in mind.
Could be off on some of this but I think it is generally correct.
OBTW a prime reason the CHNSRA (the very first Seashore and the only one designated a recreational areaa) was formed was to save seashore access for the general public as water access was being closed off to the general public by private development. Now this “recreational area” is being closed off to the general public as well. And it’s not just ORV access, it is ALL access.
And as I said before, the limited access at CHNSRA (both ped and ORV) is no doubt contributing to increased visitation where access is not limited.
ekim says:
Used to hunt geese & deer up there many moons ago, the beuty was DESTROYED years ago, havent been up there since they built the golf course.
Mark A Williamson says:
There are 3000 buildable lots in Carova. Only about 725-750 houses now.It will continue to grow. Ever notice that the road names are the same in Sandbridge. Sandpiper, Sandfiddler, etc. Same developer I heard. Now the Fish and Wildlife folks have every right to close the beach if they build a road in their 2 sections. I think that WILL happen, just don’t know when. And as far as where all the daytripper traffic on the beach comes from, a far bigger percentage come from Va. Their coolers are already full, gas tank full, they add nothing to the local economy, but it is their legal right to be here.
Mark A Williamson says:
And Skiffguide is CORRECT, I moved here in 1969, and you can’t get your piece of the pie and stop serving. Want to keep your view, buy every lot in your view. Want room, buy the whole darn street.
yesjimmy says:
…and to think of all the people who commented that what happened to beach access and driving down on hatteras island could never happen up at the north end……it was all okay to close cape point because it wasn’t in their backyard but they might be the next target.
Poorboy says:
People that can afford to build homes with 23 bedrooms on 3-acre lots of beachfront don’t need my tax dollars subsidizing their lifestyle. Forget the new bridge. Just have your helicopter crew fly you in for the weekend.
XZDC says:
Hey Currituck NIMBYs ! Go “hire” the correct kinda bird & turtle…have ‘em build a nest in the correct spot, and poof ! Bridge is history. Nothing is the way it used to be. Look around.
johnr says:
I have a hard time feeling sorry for those Carova residents and landowners who want to restrict access AFTER they already live in their “private” community. As has been said above, they, too, once came here from elsewhere.
Bypass My A$$ says:
Pave it and they will come.
Perry says:
Has anyone thought about the people in Dare County who had no say in the wrecking of Currituck beachs who now sit for hours waiting for Currituck traffic to abate so they can get home on a weekend? or our of their driveway? Let’s put the toll gate back at the line and meter traffic to Currituck beaches if they don’t build it!
NH Resident says:
44 vacant 4WD Area lots have sold in the Outer Banks MLS in the last year; 29 of them since January 1, 2012. You can believe people out there are “banking” on that bridge coming, both the seller who want out and the buyers who want in.
Poorboy says:
My guess is that the bridge and subsequent “development” is gonna come.
Learn from Dare’s mistakes and build the bypass first. Make sure all the t-shirt stores and big box stores stay away from the bypass so that it actually bypasses something.
Wayne says:
Get stone (not asphalt) pave road along Ocean Pearl road inside 4X4 area, close beach drive and gate 4X4 area. Free entrance to the owners and booked guests, and paid entrance to the visitors with limitation. That solves the problems and place 4X4 area under control.
really says:
Skiffguide, You are 100% correct,
Look at what happened on Pine Island when a hotel, shopping center and pier was purposed, the local concerned citizens stepped in and stop it.
Now they(?) are building at least 13, 8 bed room Ocean front Mac Mansions on that site surpassing the number of bed rooms that were purposed in the Hotel…
GO FIGURE
Andy says:
They are already here.
Put up the bridge to deal with the traffic that the existing development has created. It is already a mess.
Apply the lesson learned and manage the development from this point forward.
Salvo Jimmy says:
One thing about the new bridge design that seems odd.
The Corolla intersection with NC12 is a round-about.
I lived in England some years ago and guess what they use on round-abouts with heavy traffic. Yep, traffic lights.
If built it will be interesting to see how that round-about works on a Summer Saturday. I guess if it does not work out it can always be traffic lighted later.
SaltDawg says:
The new bridge would still be backed up for hours in the summer. And would have to be built to hold seven miles of bumper to bumper traffic. Any one who thinks this is a silver bullet for traffic is crazy.
Gloria says:
Why not alternate check-in days??? It’s mostly Saturday that’s the problem. And regardless of a Mid-Currituck bridge,,, getting through Duck on a rainy day will still be the same. What other alternatives are out there still???
Rick says:
Please do not let this happen. The area is unique and beautiful. Putting this bridge in would destroy the area. Leave it be. Please.
Tony says:
Skiffguide and Nagsheader summed it up best. As a Virginian I recognize that a lot of northern out-of-staters have brought their Northern money, but not checked their northern attitude at the Mason-Dixon line. The OBX might as well be another Fort Sumpter. I go in and out of North Carolina all the time. I interact with North Carolinians frequently. Currituck and Dare county might as well be on another planet. Totally different than the rest of the state. Make no mistake about it, those “environmental” people resent Southerners and the “rednecks” that want to enjoy the beach too.
flo says:
Remember the old style cute flat top houses? I wish some of the older style homes were preserved. People are so spoiled nowadays….. It would be nice if Carova Beach had a camping area for people who like to rough It!!
Across the pond says:
The bridge is a must for Currituck’s future. The plan for the 4wd area needs to be developed carefully (no hope of that); no future development without a road off the beach should be the minimum. The beach as a road is a NO.
Corolla is already plenty ugly, plenty restricted, plenty pricey. You must live in a box to vacation there and think it is paradise. UG A LEY !! Crowded houses, strip shopping and the worst: PLANNED shopping areas. Corral to corral, Yee haw!
Such a good job! NOT! Maybe the bridge will change it all. Let’s hope.
Justin says:
Why not do a ferry like ocracoke to corolla so property owners and guests that live up north can get here without back tracking a few hours and avoid the rt12 parking lot!
Steve says:
Population control is the Only answer.
Starting at the corporate level.
Our economy is not dependent on the hoards.
Businesses here 25 years ago did just fine.