Weather Data Source: North Carolina 30 days weather

Motorist Delays on N.C. Highway 12 Due to Waterline Project

Construction work on N.C. Highway 12 with trucks and signs

Buxton, N.C., September 4, 2025

News Summary

Motorists traveling north of Buxton on N.C. Highway 12 should expect intermittent delays on September 3-4 as the Dare County Water Department conducts a project involving the placement of fill material over a waterline near Haulover Sound Access. The highway will face temporary closures for about five minutes with trucks offloading material every 30 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin has impacted the region, causing road closures and flooding, but this construction is unrelated to those storm effects. Local authorities are addressing highway conditions and cleanup efforts.

Buxton, N.C. – Motorists traveling north of Buxton should prepare for intermittent delays on N.C. Highway 12 as a result of a Dare County Water Department project scheduled for September 3-4. The project involves the placement of fill material over a 700-foot section of waterline near Haulover Sound Access within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The highway will be closed for approximately five minutes each time a truck arrives to offload fill material, which is anticipated every 30 to 60 minutes. The first truck is expected to arrive at around 8:30 a.m. on September 3. Additionally, a section of the beach north of the Seashore’s soundside off-road vehicle ramp 59 will temporarily close for equipment staging during this project.

It is important to note that this work is not related to the ongoing impacts from Hurricane Erin. The hurricane has caused severe flooding and multiple road closures throughout the Outer Banks. As of Thursday morning, N.C. Highway 12 has been closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village since Wednesday evening due to ocean overwash and dune breaches that have rendered driving conditions unsafe.

Crews are actively working to remove sand and water from the roadway, which has reported flooding reaching hubcap level on N.C. Department of Transportation trucks in certain areas. While Tim Hass, a communications officer, indicated that no pavement damage has been detected thus far, the Dare County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the situation closely.

The public is being informed about available cleanup resources through a hotline (910-218-1569) established by Crisis Cleanup. In a related development, Governor Josh Stein is set to visit Dare County to assess storm damage and extend gratitude to first responders for their efforts during and after the hurricane.

Even as the area grapples with flooding issues, many coastal towns are returning to normal operations despite some streets being submerged. Recently lifted evacuation orders in Hyde County allow essential workers, residents, and property owners to return home. Ferry services to Ocracoke Island are also expected to resume shortly, facilitating travel for residents and visitors alike.

Video footage from Hatteras Village reveals significant flooding impacting homes and businesses; storm surf has also damaged structures and filled driveways with sand. Further high tides and storm activity may result in additional road flooding, warranting continued monitoring and response from local authorities. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has crews and needed equipment in place to address cleanup efforts as necessary.

FAQ

What is causing the delays on N.C. Highway 12?

Delays on N.C. Highway 12 are due to a Dare County Water Department project involving the placement of fill material over a waterline near Haulover Sound Access.

When will the construction take place?

The construction is set for September 3-4, during which crews will intermittently close the highway for five minutes each time a truck delivers fill material.

How often will truck deliveries occur?

Deliveries of fill material are expected every 30 to 60 minutes.

Is this construction related to Hurricane Erin?

No, the construction work is unrelated to the impacts of Hurricane Erin, which has caused significant flooding and road closures in the region.

What are the current conditions on N.C. Highway 12 due to Hurricane Erin?

N.C. Highway 12 remains closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village due to unsafe conditions caused by ocean overwash and flooding.

What resources are available for cleanup?

A hotline (910-218-1569) has been set up to provide information and assistance regarding cleanup efforts in the area.

Key Features of the Motorist Delays and Hurricane Erin Impact

Feature Description
Location N.C. Highway 12 north of Buxton
Cause of Delays Dare County Water Department project
Dates September 3-4
Frequency of Truck Deliveries Every 30 to 60 minutes
Current Highway Status Closed due to flooding from Hurricane Erin
Emergency Resources Hotline (910-218-1569) for cleanup assistance
Governor’s Response Visit planned to assess damage and support responders

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hurricane Erin Triggers High-Risk Conditions Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations in Hatteras, NC
Rodanthe Residents Brace for Hurricane Erin’s Fury
Dare County Property Tax Base Sees Dramatic Increase in 2020
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens After Hurricane Erin Flooding
Hurricane Erin Threatens Homes in Rodanthe, NC
Ferry Bus Service Enhances Student Safety in Currituck County
Record Visitor Spending Boosts North Carolina Tourism
Hurricane Erin Causes Major Coastal Disruptions
North Carolina Tourism Resilient Amid Hurricane Challenges

Additional Resources

Motorist Delays on N.C. Highway 12 Due to Waterline Project

STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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