Highway 12 on the Outer Banks soon will be open to regular traffic.

The D.O.T. says one lane will be open for all traffic at 3:00 p.m. at Rodanthe.

The road received substantial damage as a result of last week's coastal storm. Highway crews put in the gravel temporary road that replaces a four-wheel drive lane that was set up Saturday.

The D.O.T. says travelers should be prepared to wait for on-coming traffic, and that the lane may be restricted due to weather, construction or emergency vehicles.

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All of Hatteras Island continues to be under a declared state of emergency.

Highway 12 remains closed to regular traffic north of Rodanthe.

North Carolina DOT is opening a special one lane travel route for four wheel drive vehicles in the Mirlo Beach area of Rodanthe at 11:00 a.m.

Use of this route is for essential travel only and will be available for daily use until regular service is restored.

Passage through this area is subject to the following restrictions:

Only four wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to transit the area.

Travel will be one lane only. Be prepared to wait until oncoming traffic is cleared.

Travel may be restricted at anytime due to weather conditions, construction or emergency vehicles.

Travel will only be permitted during daylight hours, beginning one hour after sunrise and ending one hour before sunset.

The area ½ mile north and south to the entrance of the temporary travel route has been declared a work zone. No parking will be permitted along the shoulders of the road in the area.

Residents and visitors should consider using the alternate route to Hatteras Island by ferry from Swan Quarter through Ocracoke. For more information call the Ferry Division at 1-800-293-3779 and then press 1.