Bodie Island Lighthouse restoration update

  Bodie Island Lighthouse, located south of Nags Head, just off of N.C. Rt. 12, is undergoing a massive restoration project this summer. Although the site is a busy and active construction area, the Bodie Island complex remains open to the visiting public. The park visitor center and Eastern National Bookstore are open and offer a variety of interpretive programs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

  The lighthouse looms on the southwest horizon as you travel south along N.C. 12 toward Oregon Inlet. The tower and lantern room are encircled by an extensive 2,000-piece scaffolding system and a protective ”shroud” made of nylon-reinforced weatherproof fabric. Park visitors and engineering enthusiasts can view, from close proximity to the base of the lighthouse, the complexity of the renovation project and take a short walk on the adjacent boardwalk.

  Work accomplished to date includes: paint removal on the interior, masonry is complete and all hazardous materials have been removed and properly diagnosed; interior of the lighthouse has been pressure washed; the first primer coat has been applied to stair treads and touch-up work continues; interior masonry repainting has begun; negative air machine, the vacuum system and decontamination station have been removed from the site.

  Work to be accomplished next week: begin second primer coat on interior metal work; masons plan to be on-site to begin interior brick masonry repoint and stitch repairs.

  For more information on this project, call 242-473-2111, ext. 148.