Gov. Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency for N.C. 12 in Dare County that will help the N.C. Dept. of Transportation move ahead with a short-term solution to protect the critical coastal highway from frequent ocean overwash caused by high winds and strong surf. A series of storms, including Hurricane Sandy last fall, resulted in severe beach erosion along N.C. 12 at the S-Curves. NCDOT has already executed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to nourish the beach along the S-Curves. NCDOT has also acquired $20.8 million in Hurricane Sandy emergency response funding from the Federal Highway Administration to pay for the beach nourishment. The one-time emergency response effort will fortify the section of N.C. 12 most often threatened by powerful winds for three years by which time a permanent solution should be built. “We know this work can’t wait. N.C. 12 is an important pipeline for visitors who have a major impact on the local and statewide economy,” NCDOT Sec. Tony Tata said. “We want to ensure residents get the help they need now as we continue to look for innovative and strategic ways to make a lasting impact.”
NCDOT is considering two long-term solutions for the S-Curves, a roughly one-mile section of N.C. 12 just north of Mirlo Beach. They include a bridge within the existing easement and a 2.5-mile bridge that extends into the Pamlico Sound. The department will hold public meetings about the options this summer and plans to award a contract for construction this fall. In early March, strong winds pummeled the Outer Banks, causing significant overwash at the S-Curves and forcing the road to close on and off temporarily for more than a week. NCDOT crews have reopened the road and are now in the process of replacing the sand that blew off the sandbags installed after Hurricane Sandy last year.
Last week, Gov. McCrory declared a state of emergency for 12 western North Carolina counties after roads were damaged by heavy rains, flooding and mudslides in January.
The declaration allows the state to request emergency relief from the Federal Highway Administration for the damages caused by the flooding and mudslides, which occurred between Jan. 14 and 18. McCrory’s order covers Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Swain and Yancey counties. The weather and its effects severely damaged state and federal highways, bridges and other facilities.