The Outer Banks holds a special place in the hearts of visitors like George Vick, who enjoys birdwatching at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
“We visit a few times a year, usually for vacations with the kids and grandkids,” Vick shared. However, he also recalls how harsh weather has caused significant damage to the area.
“There was a hurricane one year that broke an inlet and damaged Highway 12. It took nearly two years to fix,” Vick explained.
For decades, visitors and locals have relied on this key road, the only way in and out of parts of the Outer Banks. When storms cause sand and water to cover it, driving becomes nearly impossible.
This is why crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are taking action.
According to Jeff Ryder, Dare County’s maintenance engineer with NCDOT, the stretch of NC 12 near Pea Island has become a hotspot for damage in recent years.
To address this, workers are installing large sandbags along a 1,100-foot section of dune. The sandbags will be covered to rebuild the dune, creating a temporary barrier against storm surges.
Similar solutions have been used in areas like Kitty Hawk and Ocracoke, where they remain effective years later.
“This system depends on how often and how severe the storms are,” Ryder said. He noted that the current project is expected to be completed by early next week.
The sandbag project aims to protect the road’s edge, preventing structural damage to the pavement.
Ryder explained, “If the pavement is damaged, it takes much longer to reopen the road. This solution helps keep NC 12 accessible for residents of Hatteras Island.”
Visitors like Vick believe such efforts are essential. “There’s no choice but to do it. People here rely on this road,” he said.
While this is only a temporary fix, officials hope it will provide some relief until a permanent solution is found.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
