Nags Head commissioners approve flashing sign for alerting drivers

Published 12:40 pm Thursday, January 14, 2021

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Nags Head commissioners at their January 6 meeting approved the purchase of a flashing information sign aimed at alerting drivers of adverse road conditions.

After considering signs to identify the 45 MPH speed limit for vehicles heading east off the Washington Baum Bridge into Nags Head, board consensus was to instead use portable, automated signage that would inform the public of flooding conditions.

Deputy town manager Andy Garman presented more than one option for consideration. Most board members agreed with commissioner Kevin Brinkley that people get used to a sign that blinks all the time.

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Although the speed limit change heading east off the bridge was seen as a problem, signage to alert drivers of flooding conditions was the preferred option.

During discussion, however, it was pointed out that both US 158 off the Washington Baum Bridge into Nags Head and NC 1243, South Old Oregon Inlet Road, are NCDOT roads and, while Nags Head has provided enforcement and maintenance there, both are state roads.

Commissioners agreed that there should be documentation on how much time and money is being spent by the town for maintenance and other work on state roads.

Other business for the day included several employee recognitions.

Sanitation equipment operator Tony Windham and firefighter/EMT Richard Gibbons were recognized for completing 15 years with Nags Head. Sanitation equipment operator Deronte White and water billing customer service Brittany Phillips each completed five years of service.

National Park Service superintendent David Hallac gave a slide presentation on beach nourishment erosion rates for the 67 miles of park shoreline. According to Hallac, since 2009 the park has seen between 30 and 40 meters of erosion. Some of that loss threatens NC 12, the only highway link for the island. Hallac went on to say there were no plans for a beach nourishment program, but there are alternatives and park officials are continuing to monitor the situation.

Town auditor Lisa Murphy with the firm Johnson, Mizelle, Straub and Murphy offered a comprehensive annual financial report. Murphy said at the close of the fiscal year, the town’s total net position increased by $2,573,572 with an unassigned fund balance for the general fund of $8,634,215.

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