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A new navigational channel at Oregon Inlet has been established, according to a Marine Safety Information Bulletin released by M.J. Baer, U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The previous Oregon Inlet Channel on the west side of the Marc Basnight Bridge between spans 23 and 31 has been disestablished due to severe shoaling.

Span 34, between bents 33 and 34, has been designated as the temporary navigation span for the Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet, mile 0.5, between Rodanthe and Nags Head. Span 34 provides a vertical clearance of approximately 37 feet above mean high water and a horizontal clearance of approximately 146 feet.

“Mariners should transit this area with extreme caution and due regard for the reduced navigational clearances, lack of a bridge fender system and shoaling in the waterway,” stated the bulletin.

Those with questions should email the Sector North Carolina Waterways Management Division at ncmarineevents@uscg.mil or call the Sector North Carolina Command Center at 910-343-3882.

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