(AP) - Road crews will temporarily close the four-wheel drive route along N.C. Highway 12 north of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks to remove damaged pavement and level the area in hopes to reopen the road to all traffic by Christmas.
    
The N.C. Department of Transportation said the highway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. The emergency ferry route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe will remain open.
    
The road suffered severe damage from Superstorm Sandy, which also washed away the protective dune, when it struck in late October.
    
Currently, only four-wheel drive vehicles can pass through.
    
Also, officials announced Thursday that the four-wheel drive route along N.C. 12 on Pea Island in Dare County is now open. The route will remain open from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., weather permitting.