New navigational channel open in Oregon Inlet

New navigational channel open in Oregon Inlet

Due to shoaling earlier this year that prevented boaters from accessing the navigation span of the Basnight Bridge, the Snell and Merritt—dredges operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—along with Dare County’s Miss Katie dredge, have worked since August 2022 to open up a new channel. The previous route has been disestablished.

The new channel is fixed and is authorized to be dredged 100 feet wide and 10 feet deep until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to allow for dredging to a depth of 12 feet later this year.

If you have questions, please email the U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Waterways Management Division at ncmarineevents@uscg.mil or contact the Sector North Carolina Command Center at 910-343-3882.