By SARAH JOHNSON
Hyde County
Public Information Officer

Because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge for safety reasons, Hyde County Transit will provide nonemergency express medical services from the Swan Quarter ferry terminal on an as-needed basis.
“Regardless of the location of your appointment, we will do everything possible to help you get to your appointment and returned to the Swan Quarter Ferry Site on the same day,” reads a statement from Hyde County Transit. “We have contact information readily available for lodging establishments on the mainland in the event that your physician cannot schedule your appointment in order to make an express trip possible.”
Hyde County Transit also will be providing transit services from Ocracoke Island to the Washington area for other general shopping needs on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. Other dates for similar service are available based on demand.
On Tuesday, to protect the traveling public, the Department of Transportation closed the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over the Oregon Inlet on N.C. Highway 12 along the Outer Banks because of immediate safety concerns.
Routine sonar scanning of the bridge identified scouring concerns, or areas where too much sand has eroded from the support structure of the bridge. As NCDOT crews continued to monitor these conditions, inspections revealed additional areas of concern, which led department officials to decide to close the bridge immediately for the safety of all residents and visitors of the area. The bridge will remain closed until the department can bring in additional resources to inspect the bridge and make necessary repairs to fortify the structure. NCDOT has declared a state of emergency as a way of expediting the process and steps are under way to begin repair work as soon as possible.
For more information about Hyde County Transit services, to make a reservation or have a special request considered, call Hyde County Transit at 252-926-1637.