NC 12 Recovery Update 9/9/2011 Via www.ncdot.gov
“NCDOT estimates that the roadway could be fully reopened sometime in early October, depending on weather conditions between now and then.”
While parts of N.C. 12 remain closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Irene last month, NCDOT continues to make progress to fix the breaches and areas of over wash on N.C. 12 to improve and reopen the highway.
At this time, there are numerous breaches and areas where storm surge has washed sand onto N.C. 12 south of Oregon Inlet. Last night, Hurricane Katia produced rough surf that caused over wash in several locations on N.C. 12 where NCDOT crews had been placing sand. Crews are working to clear this additional sand from the roadway.
Yesterday on Rodanthe, crews spent most of the day stockpiling sand to protect the work that has been accomplished since Sept. 5. By stockpiling, crews were able to prevent some of the over wash from Katia. During low tide, Barnhill Contracting Co. was able to resume sending trucks across the breach at Rodanthe using wooden matting as their roadway. These crews are using sand to fill in the smaller N.C. 12 wash outs at Mid Pea Island, located just south of the main breach.
Five trucks carrying bridge pieces arrived Thursday on Pea Island from Mabey Bridge Ltd. In addition, four trucks carrying sheet pile, temporary matting, and several truckloads of additional equipment and supplies also arrived. Surveying for the layout of the temporary bridge is under way, and surveyors will be on standby to stake work for the contractor when needed. Sheet piles at the north end of the bridge are being installed and backfilled with sand to create an area to be used for the assembly and launch area of the bridge. Crews are currently assembling templates and guides that will be used to drive the piling for the foundation of the bridge. To see photos of this work, click here.
NCDOT estimates that the roadway could be fully reopened sometime in early October, depending on weather conditions between now and then.