NC Highway 12 Remains Closed as NCDOT Battles Overwash from Hurricane Erin

OUTER BANKS, N.C. — North Carolina Highway 12 remains closed after Hurricane Erin’s powerful storm surge pushed sand and water across the roadway, leaving state transportation crews with the daunting task of clearing the vital coastal route.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said workers are on round-the-clock shifts to remove debris, but there is still no set timeline for reopening the highway. The closure highlights an ongoing battle with overwash that continues to threaten the only road connecting many Outer Banks communities.

Millions Spent on Repeated Repairs

Highway 12 has a long history of storm-related closures. Last year alone, the roadway was shut down at least three times due to severe winter weather. Officials note that between 2012 and 2022, more than $70 million in federal disaster funds and state resources were spent on repairs and maintenance.

Governor Josh Stein defended the cost, stressing the road’s importance to both residents and the region’s economy. “This is an important road for North Carolina,” Stein said. “There are so many people that live there, there are so many tourism dollars that go on that road.”

Calls for Long-Term Solutions

Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins acknowledged that quick fixes can only go so far. “What we need to do as far as potentially making it more resilient, potentially relocated to a higher area,” Hopkins said, noting the state is reviewing several studies to identify long-term strategies.

The only permanent solution so far has been the Jug Handle Bridge near Rodanthe, which opened in 2022 to bypass one of the most vulnerable stretches of the road.

Economic Impact of Closures

The Outer Banks’ beaches carry an estimated $864 million annual economic impact, driven largely by tourism. Local officials warn that prolonged closures of Highway 12 could cut off communities, strain small businesses, and dampen visitor travel.

“People love our Outer Banks; people need to be able to get to them,” Stein said.

NCDOT crews are continuing to monitor high tides in the coming days before determining when Highway 12 can safely reopen.

Residents across North Carolina are invited to share their experiences with Highway 12 closures and weigh in on how the state should address long-term resilience. Join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.