Repairs Underway On Assateague’s Fed Side

BERLIN – Slowly but surely, the Assateague Island National Seashore is licking the wounds caused by Hurricane Sandy, but some will take more time to heal than others.

According to a press release from the federal side of the island, the cycling and pedestrian bridge on the Verrazano Bridge sustained significant damage. On the island side, part of the path has been completely washed out. Pedestrians and bicycles are consequently prohibited until further notice. Additionally, officials say portions of the bikes lanes on the island were damaged and are closed as well.

The Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone opened Monday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m.-4 p,m. However, OSV zone conditions will be assessed daily and it’s unknown as of deadline how Wednesday’s Nor’easter conditions will impact it further.

The North Ocean Beach parking area is now open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., according to officials, and the Assateague Island Visitor Center is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Old Ferry Landing Road, Bayside Drive, all nature trails and South Ocean Beach Parking lots are all closed until further notice due to continued unsafe conditions and damaged infrastructure.

All developed area camping is closed until further notice.
All back country camping is closed until further notice.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with limited access. Beach parking areas are severely damaged. There is no access to the beach in the Virginia district at this time.
Priority cleanup efforts are currently focused on Oceanside Drive-In Campground Loops 1 and 2 and bayside infrastructure.

The island’s phone service is limited as of Thursday, so interested parties are encouraged to check www.nps.gov/asis for updates.