Agencies seek long-term fix for road on N.C. coast

By Matthew Roy
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 20, 2011

HATTERAS ISLAND, N.C.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says state and federal agencies have begun discussing permanent fixes for N.C. 12, the two-lane umbilical to Hatteras Island that was severed by Hurricane Irene in August but reopened last week after repairs.

For several weeks, islanders and visitors relied on ferries while breaches were repaired. A temporary bridge at Pea Island now spans an inlet formed when Irene cut through the low-lying island, linking sea to sound. A smaller breach at Rodanthe was filled with sand.

NCDOT met Tuesday with representatives from a dozen state and federal agencies to discuss permanent repairs. Options include beach nourishment as well as new bridges.

The department's next steps include holding panel discussions with experts in coastal sciences and engineering about changes in conditions along N.C. 12 in Irene's wake, and possible long-term solutions. The department will host public meetings to present options and solicit the public's input.

Ultimately, NCDOT will present a "realistic" design plan to Gov. Beverly Perdue, it said in a news release.

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The permanent fix is property on the eastern shore

Submitted by NO JONES on Wed, 10/19/2011 at 10:24 pm.

Grab it before the EPA, Dept of Interior, developers and environmentalists do! Fools are already bypassing fee-simple ownership and falling for condo fees and hoa's in the midst of the two poorest counties in Virginia. Space is the ultimate luxury, look for cheap land and put in a well and septic on highland until Maryland and Lake Gaston water lines are interconnected.