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Protective Sandbags to Fortify N.C. 12 Near Pea Island Refuge

Construction crews install protective sandbags along the vulnerable N.C. 12 highway to safeguard against erosion.

News Summary

The N.C. Department of Transportation has announced the installation of protective sandbags along N.C. 12 near Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This $400,000 project aims to address ongoing erosion and flooding issues faced by the highway, which serves as a vital link for visitors to the area. Scheduled to begin on January 17, 2025, the installation is anticipated to take a week, with one-lane traffic near the visitors center. While this temporary measure is expected to provide immediate support, NCDOT is concurrently developing long-term solutions to preserve road accessibility.

Protective Sandbags Coming to N.C. 12 Near Pea Island Refuge

Pea Island, a stunning part of North Carolina, is soon to see some protective measures taken along its beloved two-lane highway, N.C. 12. This highway isn’t just any road; it’s the lifeline connecting visitors to the enchanting Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the picturesque shores of the Atlantic Ocean. However, this important route has faced its fair share of challenges with the ever-changing natural landscape.

With the ocean lapping at the edge of this highway and a fragile sand berm acting as its only defense, N.C. 12 has become a hot spot for erosion and flooding. Recent history has shown just how vulnerable this road can be, with the last breach of the berm occurring in November. That breach briefly shut down the only highway link to Hatteras Island—a major inconvenience for both locals and tourists alike.

A Temporary Fix is On the Way

In a bid to bolster the highway’s defenses, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is stepping in with a *significant* allocation of $400,000. This funding will go towards the installation of sandbags along approximately 1,100 feet of N.C. 12 right by the refuge’s visitors center. Although this initiative provides some much-needed short-term relief, NCDOT knows this is just a Band-Aid solution while they map out a more sustainable strategy.

Win Bridgers, the top engineer from NCDOT in the region, has expressed the urgency of keeping N.C. 12 open and accessible for all those who wish to explore the natural wonders of Pea Island. The sandbag installation is expected to take about a week, starting on January 17, 2025, and during this time, drivers should prepare for some traffic delays, as the road will be reduced to one lane near the visitors center.

Long-Term Solutions in Progress

While sandbags may temporarily hold back the ocean’s advance, NCDOT is not putting all their eggs in one basket. Last spring, they secured a federal grant of $1.8 million to work on a long-term plan to keep N.C. 12 accessible during storms. This project, creatively named SAND (Solving Access for NC 12 in Dare County), aims to find a more permanent fix by the end of 2026.

For those not familiar with the area, N.C. 12 stretches 11 miles through the Pea Island refuge, acting as a crucial barrier between the majestic ocean dunes and the lush marshes and ponds of the Pamlico Sound, home to a variety of waterfowl. This sensitive environment has been shaped by storms over the years, highlighting just how important it is to protect the area against natural disasters of all kinds.

History of Vulnerability

Unfortunately, the vulnerability of N.C. 12 is not a new issue. Back in 2011, Hurricane Irene did significant damage, creating a new inlet that led to the construction of a half-mile bridge to the south of the visitors center. Additionally, residents have long been familiar with the “S-curves” near Rodanthe, an area that has been prone to flooding and washouts.

In a recent effort to tackle these issues, NCDOT opened the new 2.4-mile Rodanthe Bridge in 2022. While some environmental groups argued for a longer bridge to help protect the wildlife refuge, budget constraints led NCDOT to opt for shorter but still impactful solutions. They also built the impressive 2.8-mile Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet, which set taxpayers back $252 million, followed closely by another $158 million spent on the Rodanthe Bridge. Despite these efforts, N.C. 12 remains susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature, with four closures already reported in the refuge since the Rodanthe Bridge opened due to high water.

As the sandbag installation prepares to kick off soon, there’s a glimmer of hope that the highway will stay open and that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that these protective measures do the trick in keeping N.C. 12 safe and sound!