Oak Island adding new pedestrian crosswalks

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Oak Island is moving forward with several new pedestrian safety improvements, including six new crosswalks with flashing signals along East and West Beach Drive.

Town Manager Kathryn Adams shared the update during the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, August 12. The first project completed is a new crosswalk on East Beach Drive at 19th Place East.

The remaining crosswalks will be installed at:

• 57th Place West

• 9th Place East

• SE 40th Street

• SE 46th Street

• SE 49th Street

The new installations come as the town continues to address pedestrian safety. On August 11, a pedestrian was hit and killed in a single-vehicle accident on East Oak Island Drive between NE 31st and NE 32nd Streets. The road was temporarily closed while officers investigated the crash.

The crosswalk projects join others already installed last year along Ocean Drive. Work is expected to continue throughout the summer and fall, with all projects targeted for completion by fall 2025.

In addition, the Town of Oak Island says the North Carolina Department of Transportation has committed to adding monitoring devices along Oak Island Drive to track speed and traffic volume. Contractor bids for a previously approved crosswalk at East Oak Island Drive and 51st Street were opened on August 14. The Town Council is expected to review the bids in September before awarding the project and setting an installation timeline.

Recently Completed Improvements:

• Barbee Boulevard & Ocean Drive

• Keziah Street & Ocean Drive

• SE 49th Street & East Dolphin Drive (near Kevin Bell Skate Park)