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Rodanthe Faces Coastal Erosion with Urgent Repairs

Workers actively engaging in coastal erosion repairs along N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe.

News Summary

As coastal erosion threatens N.C. Highway 12 in Rodanthe, urgent repairs are set to begin on a critical 1,100-foot stretch. With alternative solutions such as sandbag installations planned, community members are reminded of the dangers as residents near the coastline face the reality of rising tides. A recent home collapse underscores the ongoing threats, prompting safety warnings from officials. The need for a long-term strategy for climate-related impacts is becoming increasingly clear.

Rodanthe Ramps Up Repairs as Coastal Erosion Takes Center Stage

Residents and visitors in Rodanthe are bracing for some crucial roadwork as efforts to combat coastal erosion launch along N.C. Highway 12. Work is set to begin on a significant 1,100-foot stretch of this vital roadway near the Pea Island National Wildlife Visitor Center. In the face of rising ocean threats, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is stepping in to protect what’s left of this critical thoroughfare from the relentless ocean overwash.

Short-Term Fix or Long-Term Solution?

The ongoing battle against erosion has led to plans that include repairing nearby sand dunes and installing sandbags as a temporary measure. This comes after recent storms and extreme tidal conditions caused significant concerns, forcing the closure of portions of N.C. 12. As if that wasn’t enough, a coastal storm back in November had already left large sections of the highway closed for safety reasons, prompting state officials to take action now to minimize disruption.

With the installation of sandbags comes an added challenge: motorists can expect alternating single-lane closures along N.C. 12. The project is expected to cost around $400,000 and is predicted to take about a week to wrap up. This project isn’t just a stopgap; officials see it as a necessary step while they work towards finding a more permanent fix for a situation that’s rapidly growing more urgent.

Another Home Meets the Atlantic

23241 Surf Side Drive, was thankfully unoccupied at the time of the collapse.

Since the beginning of 2020, an alarming trend has emerged with a total of 11 homes plunging into the Atlantic in this fragile area. Just last weekend, N.C. 12 was closed due to dangerously high surf and flooding; efforts are ongoing to transport sand to rebuild the dunes, aimed at reopening the highway.

Warnings in Effect: Stay Clear

Cleanup crews are diligently working to monitor and tackle the impending threats to other homes near G A Kohler Court and Sea Oats Drive. Officials at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are closely observing the conditions as they continuously evaluate the coastline’s safety for property and community alike.