RODANTHE — The N.C. Department of Transportation is continuing its work to restore N.C. Highway 12 north of Rodanthe.

Road crews temporarily closed the four-wheel drive route Thursday to remove damaged pavement and level the area in hopes to reopen the road to all traffic by Christmas. The emergency ferry route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe remained 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.