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
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.
Climate Change: The Unseen Enemy
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outer Banks Community to Shine in New Video Series
High Winds and Coastal Flooding Expected in the Outer Banks
Rodanthe, North Carolina: House Collapses into Ocean
Rodanthe Faces Urgent Coastal Erosion Crisis
Ancient Tree Stumps Discovered in North Carolina’s Outer Banks Reveal Secrets of the Past
New Legislation Offers Lifeline to Coastal Homeowners Facing Erosion Risks
Another Home Plunges into the Atlantic in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Rodanthe, N.C.: A Beach-Loving Community Battles Erosion
Rodanthe, N.C. Struggles With Erosion as Tourism Season Approaches
Another Oceanfront Home Collapses in Rodanthe, Marking Sixth Loss This Year
Additional Resources
- CBS 17: NC 12 Still Closed at Outer Banks
- 13 News Now: Temporary Beach Closure After House Collapses
- Fox Weather: North Carolina Coastal Storm Causes Home Collapse
- Spectrum News: Outer Banks Sees Another Home Collapse
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
