4-Wheel Drive road proposal denied again
Published October 5, 2007 by adminCreating/maintaining safe driving conditions in Currituck County’s 4-Wheel Drive area north of Corolla–comprised of Swan Beach, North Swan Beach and Carova–was the crux of a recent failed project proposal which would have granted a service district allowing for grading and leveling the sand roads that connect all 4WD properties to the rest of the paved world and serve as trails for the wild horses.
Proposals for such work have failed before when tabled but other ideas are being bantered. While residents and Currituck County Commissioners agree something must be done to fix the mounting problems, the disagreement comes in whether or not to curb traffic by some type of permitting/traffic restriction plan.
The idea of a management plan of sorts might work, which could allow for just minor repairs like filling some of the car-sized potholes (ponds!) in some of the roads.
The service district plan would not have used local taxes, but rather vacation rental occupancy revenues. Perfecting the roads under it, though, would likely have invited even more traffic.
More traffic would only compromised the horses’ habitat, which is probably the main concern of the scant but resourceful year-round residents of the 4WD area, who must rely on the existing roads for not only ingress and egress to their homes but also to allow emergency personnel access.
However it turns out, there’s no doubt that people already drive too fast and too carelessly on all Outer Banks beaches.
Everyone needs to shape up, pay attention, and drive respectfully on all Dare County and Currituck County ORV beaches, interdunal roads and wildlife enclosures on Hatteras, and residential streets throughout the 4WD areas.
Terry Rush Cremia
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