The National Park Service (NPS) announces the second phase of the Bodie Island Lighthouse restoration project, located near Oregon Inlet, has begun. The prime contractor, United Builders Group, LLC from New Bern, NC, has installed the construction fence boundary, secured a protective "bubble wrap" of the Lantern Room (see photos), and laid logging mat materials to protect the surrounding grounds last week as work begins on the famed beacon.
The previous restoration project contract was terminated in Spring 2011 after significant new structural integrity issues were found in many of the main support beams under the balcony.The additional repairs needed were too costly to finish in the original restoration project, but NPS funding requests were approved to complete the restoration work in FY2012.
The new project began in late March 2012 and is expected be completed in 2013.The work will include the following renovations:
* Restore deteriorated metal
* Restore components on the lantern level (support beams, masonry, railing/ladder)
* Replace galley cornice segments
* Paint interior and exterior masonry
* Replace windows and glass on lantern level
* Repair the Oil house marble floor and roof, install new windows
* Paint all newly installed metals/wood
* Install fire suppression system and rehabilitate electrical power
* Install stair strengtheners
Project update reports will be issued periodically.For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at 252-473-2111 ext. 148.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
