As you all know, Isabel cut a new inlet just north of Hatteras village. The last I heard, their planning to fill it in and rebuild the road.

Does that make sense? I know it would take longer, but wouldn't it be better in the long run to build a short causeway?

Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

By no means am I an expert but I have lived on the shore in New Jersey all my and in my profession (urban planner)coastal management is part of my job. Based on a little knowledge of the area I recall that area has had inlets cut before. I feel as if they should let the new inlet remain and a causeway built.

Amen...

I agree. Don't settle for the quick fix when a causeway is the best long-term solution.

my opinion is that they should fill it in and make a road again,, a bridge gives me too much of a feeling of separation from the rest of the island. and i would imagine the cost and upkeep would be astronomical.... if they fill in it will also keep the inlet from encroaching on the sides of the island(north and south) that are now exposed....i am sure small boat fisherman would love it but i kinda have a hard time with change,,,,, just my crazy opinion

My husband and I were down the week before Isabel. He felt most of the area south of Oregon Inlet should be elevated. That way, the dunes wouldn't as much of an issue. Plus we could enjoy a view of the ocean as we drive through, without disturbing as much of the eco-system.

elevating the area is a little out of the question,,, maybe 30 years ago, but not an entire island of cities... of course it would be great if all the houses had spectacular views of the beach, but that is not the case..... hatteras is hatteras and it is great.....

A big part in the decision was probably the cost involved and the amount of time involved in building a causeway. I was just going to post this same message, it said it will be filled in with sand, would that be stable enough, what about the next noreaster or bad storm wouldn't the risk be taken that the same thing will happen. I guess they know what they are doing, I hope.

I think they are in the early planning phase of a bridge that would reroute traffic out of the pea island reserve. we were there this month and I read something about it in one of the free papers