The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has launched emergency repairs on the iconic coastal highway NC 12 at Pea Island. High tides from a recent nor’easter ripped out roughly 1,200 feet of pavement near the Pea Island Visitor Center, forcing the road to remain closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe.
Initial work focuses on safety and stabilization
Crews arrived on Sunday to begin removing the compromised pavement and to start rebuilding a protective dune line that will shield the roadway from future overwash. After the damaged surface is cleared, workers will grade the roadbed in preparation for a new paving layer.
Detour plans and sandbag reinforcement
While conditions improve, NCDOT will establish a one‑lane, paved detour through the affected stretch, monitored by flaggers. The detour will stay in place as a vendor fabricates sandbags to reinforce the newly built dune line. Once the sandbags are positioned, crews will work toward restoring a full two‑lane roadway.
Weather remains a key factor
High‑tide overwash continues to challenge the project, and the region is expecting “king tides” later this week – the highest tides of the season – on Thursday and Friday. All repair activities are contingent on better weather and more favorable tidal conditions.
Emergency ferry service stays operational
In the meantime, the emergency ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point remains a 24‑hour lifeline for residents and visitors. As of Sunday, the ferry had moved 1,451 vehicles and 2,416 passengers on and off Hatteras Island. Motorists are asked to be patient, as each ferry run has limited vehicle capacity.
Dare County has set up park‑and‑ride locations at both ends of the ferry route to accommodate pedestrians. Details on the ferry schedule and current status are available at ncferry.org.
Visitor restrictions continue
Dare County’s Emergency Evacuation Order for visitors remains in effect. Only individuals who meet the county’s priority re‑entry criteria may access Hatteras Island, and they must present the required documentation.
Travelers seeking real‑time updates on road conditions, detour routes and ferry operations should visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT’s official social‑media channels.
What this means for local families and businesses
Restoring NC 12 is vital for the daily lives of Outer Banks residents, who rely on the highway for school commutes, grocery trips and tourism‑driven commerce. The prompt response by NCDOT reflects a commitment to keep essential transportation links open, supporting both family stability and the region’s economic health.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
