“Every storm is different.” With the Town’s unique geography and location along the coast, it would be impractical to apply the same response to every storm.
That is why Oak Island has developed a multi-level Storm Response & Recovery plan, which can be adapted to meet challenges ranging from Island-wide disaster to street-level closures.
In any Response & Recovery effort, the primary goal remains the same: Protect lives and infrastructure during an event; and ensure recovery as quickly and safely as possible.
BRIDGE CLOSURES
Oak Island is serviced by two bridges:
- G.V. Barbee Bridge (NC 133 / Long Beach Road)
- Swains Cut Bridge (NC 906 / E.F. Middleton Blvd)
BRIDGES WILL ONLY CLOSE when wind or weather conditions make safe travel dangerous!
Unless catastrophic damage occurs, bridges will be reopened as soon as conditions allow for safe travel.
Typically, this is when sustained windspeeds reach or exceed 40 MPH, or during similar threatening conditions. If the bridges are going to close, the Town will provide as much Public Notification in advance as possible.
Closures will be marked with physical signage posted on traffic barriers, placed at the base of each bridge.
In the event of widespread catastrophic damage to the entire island, bridges may remain CLOSED until the area can be properly assessed for safe re-entry; with access restricted to emergency personnel ONLY.
RE-ENTRY for ALL would begin as soon as access and travel is deemed safe.
- NOTE: Decals or physical Stickers / Passes are NOT used for re-entry; however, identification and homeowner’s documents should be included in ANY evacuation kit, as these items may be needed during recovery efforts.
Catastrophic Damage requiring an extended bridge closure can include:
- Bridge Damage / Needed Inspections
- Exposed or Open Utilities (electrical / sewage)
- Damaged / Collapsed Buildings & Infrastructure
- Island-wide Contamination / Public Health Concerns
ZONE & STREET CLOSURES
NEVER travel around barricades or enter any closed streets! This is dangerous for everyone and can delay recovery efforts!
Individual areas of the Island may experience different levels of impact from a storm. Rather than limit access to the entire Island through bridge closures, access will be controlled for specific Zones or Streets as needed. These sections of Town may remain inaccessible for longer periods of time during a recovery.
Zone / Street closures can result from several factors, including:
- Street Flooding
- Utility Service Disruptions
- Damaged / Blocked Infrastructure
- Structural Instability
- Contamination / Health Concerns
For damage to individual areas or properties, Zone & Street Closures will be established using physical signage posted on traffic barriers, placed at a safe distance. During a closure, access within these areas will be restricted to emergency personnel ONLY. Access for everyone would resume as soon as travel, Infrastructure, and utilities in the area is deemed safe.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION of any closures for Bridges, Zones, or Streets will be made immediately in the event of any closure, with notices published on