RALEIGH — Transportation officials have reopened N.C. 12 from the Oregon Inlet Bridge to Rodanthe, but it's expected the road will have to be closed again.

The N.C. Department of Transportation said water and sand from high tide will likely close the Outer Banks highway again. The road was reopened until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. It was closed Monday evening because of ocean overwash. It's expected the road will be closed through high tide Wednesday morning.

While the road is open, traffic can travel in only one direction at a time. A pilot vehicle escorts motorists, and law enforcement checkpoints have been set up.

The statement from NCDOT said delays are likely, and it takes about 25 minutes to travel one way.