Officials in Chesapeake, Virginia announced the opening of a new four lane Toll Road thru Chesapeake in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

The 16 mile highway known as The Chesapeake Expressway connects Interstate 64 around Norfolk with North Carolina's new five lane highway 168 to the Outer Banks.

The new toll road incorporates Virginia's first "Smart Tag" electronic toll collection system for frequent travelers. This new open road technology allows Smart Tag users to go through dedicated toll lanes at 45 mph.

Tolls range from $2.00 each way for a two axle vehicle and $3.00 for three axle vehicles up to a maximum of $6.00 for 6 axels. A discount program offers savings to frequent travelers which may lower costs to as little as $.050 depending upon the options selected.

For further information and questions about the Chesapeake Expressway or the Discount Program, you are asked to contact:

Chesapeake Expressway
168 Toll Plaza Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5 pm
Monday - Friday
Phone: (757) 204-0010
Fax: (757) 204-0015

Old Business 168 (the Battlefield Blvd. Exit off I-64) in Virginia is still open and available for those seeking to avoid the toll or who need fuel and other services.

Hatteras Keepers Descendants
Hunt Continues
June 2001
Cheryl Roberts
HOMECOMING
Outer Banks, NC

Are you a Cape Hatteras Keepers direct descendant? (child, grandchild, great grandchild, great-great grandchild, and spouses).

If so Register On-line today!

Lighthouse Tour

Driving Directions to all North Carolina's Lighthouses
Cheryl Roberts
ANNOUNCEMENT
MOREHEAD CITY, NC

Most people visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina want ot visit at least one of the lighthouses. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society has prepared a Driving Tour from north to south along coastal North Carolina.

Of the existing towers you have a choice of seven lighthouses to visit, and you can see the ruins of an eighth light. Theses lighthouses are so interesting days can be spent in the surrounding area of each one. You are invited to visit a lighthouse soon.

Hours for climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse this year are as follows. Climbing is weather dependent. Wind, rain, or thunderstorms will close the lighthouse until safe climbing conditions return.

April 14th - May 25th:
10:00 AM until 2 PM daily
May 26th - September 3rd:
10:00 AM until 6:00 PM daily
September 4th - October 8th:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Fees will be $3.00 for adults, $1.50 for children under 12, seniors 62 and over, and blind or disabled people. Tickets are sold out of the fee booth along the walkway to the Lighthouse. For more information call the Buxton visitors center at (252) 995-4474.

Currituck Beach Light Station opens for climbing Friday March 30 from 10 AM until 6 PM. and remains open through Thanksgiving.

During periods of high winds. thunderstorms or threatening weather the lighthouse tower may be closed to climbers until safe conditions return.

The usual fee for visiting the lighthouse is $5 per person. However, a rate of $3 per person ($2 each for school groups) is available for tour groups that make advance arrangements. The fee applies to everyone in the group, whether or not they climb the lighthouse. Children must be four years old to climb. Telephone (252) 453-4939 for additional information.

Outer Banks At A Glance

Staff Report
FACTS
OUTER BANKS, NC

Here's where to find the Outer Banks basics: