NCDOT Plans Major Realignment of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island
What happened
The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to realign more than half a mile of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island to reduce its exposure to coastal erosion. The state proposes building a new two-lane section 150 feet west, which would require the complete removal of the existing road. This project also involves relocating the Pea Island Visitor Center and constructing a new sand dune.
From whro.org
Why it matters
The realignment is a response to severe damage to the highway from Nor'easters, which previously cut off a key access point for Hatteras Island residents. Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in Dare County and Hyde County and urged the Federal Highway Administration to grant emergency relief. The plan requires applying for federal right-of-way along the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Coastal management issues and oceanfront erosion impacts are occurring in Brunswick and Dare Counties, North Carolina.
From whro.org
Who's involved
- North Carolina Department of TransportationPlanning the realignment of Highway 12 to reduce coastal erosion.
- Hatteras IslandThe island where the highway realignment project is taking place.
- Josh SteinPolitician who declared a state of emergency and urged federal relief.
- National Park ServiceFederal agency involved in the process, requesting public comment.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- National Park ServiceSpeculative
The National Park Service might incur costs related to demolishing and relocating managed assets.
- Dare CountySpeculative
Dare County might face increased administrative costs related to the state-led infrastructure project.
- North CarolinaSpeculative
State funding and regulatory commitment might be required for the major infrastructure realignment project.
Keep exploring
Part of
Coastal management issues and oceanfront erosion impacts are occurring in Brunswick and Dare Counties, North Carolina.Also in this story
- A beach nourishment project is underway in Buxton, overseen by Dare County, involving dredges operating on Amelia Island and Liberty Island.
- Duke Energy holds an offshore wind lease off the coast of Brunswick County.
- Brunswick County county water supply is covering Sunset Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island.
The entities involved
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Hatteras Island
island in North Carolina, United States of America
Nothing else this week.
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North Carolina Department of Transportation
government agency in North Carolina, United States connecting people, products and places