RALEIGH – The following are highlights
from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are
also featured in NCDOT Now,
the department’s weekly newscast.
Pappy’s Lane Shipwreck
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are known for their long, rich
history, and even some notorious pirates. But some may not be familiar with the
story of one vessel that sits beneath the waves off Rodanthe’s coast in the
Pamlico Sound.
Recently, the Department of Transportation partnered with the University of North
Carolina Coastal Studies Institute to study what is known as the Pappy’s Lane shipwreck. As the wreckage lies near the Bonner
Bridge replacement, the department committed to researching the sunken vessel
and try to identify it.
Dr. Nathan Richards and graduate students from East Carolina
University mapped the site and researched the potential history of the wreck
using maritime records and what is left of the ship’s hull.
Eventually they concluded that the ship was used in the Pacific
during World War II as either a landing craft infantry, which used ramps to get
men onto beaches, or a landing craft support, which provided armed support for
the landing craft.
Digging deeper into the wreck’s background, the team discovered the
LCS123 was sold as surplus after the war, then altered and refitted to carry
heating oil and diesel.
“Once you lose an archaeological site it’s gone forever. It’s not
something you can replant or renourish and have that resource return,” said
Matthew Wilkerson, NCDOT Archaeology Group Leader. “I think North Carolina does
a good job with its stewardship responsibility with these types of cultural
properties.”
Based on information collected, the department’s archaeology group
and the State Historic Preservation Office determined that the shipwreck is
eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Spring Litter Sweep
Moving back on land, the spring litter sweep is coming up and will
run April 14-28. Volunteers from across the state will be donating their time to
help keep North Carolina beautiful and safe. This is the perfect opportunity for
local businesses, schools, non-profits or community groups to sign up and
participate, while helping keep our state a wonderful place to live and
work.
Visit the Roadside
Environmental Unit’s webpage to request cleanup supplies from a local NCDOT
county maintenance office.
Bike to School Day Registration
Bike to School Day is May 9 and registration is open for schools or
neighborhood groups to sign up. Visit walkbiketoschool.org and get involved.