N.C.’s outer banks.Following Hurricane Erin’s strong storm surge, which swept sand and water over the roadway, North Carolina Highway 12 is still blocked. State transportation officials are faced with the difficult task of clearing the crucial coastal route.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stated that although personnel are working 24-hour shifts to clear debris, the highway’s reopening date has not yet been determined. The closure draws attention to a continuous battle with overwash that still poses a threat to the sole route that connects many villages in the Outer Banks.
Millions Spent on Repeated Repairs
There is a lengthy history of storm-related closures on Highway 12. Severe winter weather caused the route to be closed at least three times last year alone. More than $70 million in federal disaster funding and state resources were used for repairs and upkeep between 2012 and 2022, according to officials.
Governor Josh Stein defended the expense by highlighting the road’s value to locals and the local economy. According to Stein, this is a crucial route for North Carolina. There are a lot of residents, and that road generates a lot of revenue from tourists.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Joey Hopkins, the secretary of transportation, agreed that short-term solutions are limited. Hopkins stated that the state is examining a number of studies to determine long-term solutions and that what we need to do is possibly make it more resilient and move it to a higher place.
The Jug Handle Bridge at Rodanthe, which opens in 2022 to avoid one of the most dangerous sections of the road, has been the only long-term fix thus far.
Economic Impact of Closures
Tourism is the main driver of the projected $864 million yearly economic impact of the Outer Banks beaches. Long-term Highway 12 closures, according to local officials, could isolate communities, put a burden on small businesses, and reduce tourism.
“People need to be able to get to our Outer Banks because they love them,” Stein added.
Before deciding whether Highway 12 can safely reopen, NCDOT crews are still keeping an eye on high tides in the days ahead.
Residents of North Carolina are being asked to comment on how the state should handle long-term resilience and to share their experiences with the closure of Highway 12. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to join the discussion.
