Outer Banks Times

The North Carolina Department of Transportation resumed a full three-boat route on Oct. 10 after completing a dredging project.

The U.S. Amry Corps of Engineers led the dredging project in the Bigfoot Slough area of Pamlico Sound, the Department of Transportation said in an Oct. 9 release. 

With the project finished, the Pamlico Sound ferry system resumed its full schedule between Swan Quarter, Cedar Island and Ocracoke, the department said in the release. These will be in effect as long as the water depths in Bigfoot Slough are stable throughout the off-season months.

The full schedule, the department said, includes: 

• Swan Quarter to Ocracoke: 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Ocracoke to Swan Quarter: 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
• Cedar Island to Ocracoke: 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Ocracoke to Cedar Island: 7:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Every year, thousands of visitors who want to visit off-the-map and the most famous areas of the state's coast use the daily ferry system, the department said. Ocracoke is the most popular route as it provides transportation to day-trippers who want to explore its alluring beaches, art galleries, waterfront restaurants and eclectic shops during summer.