North Carolina Governor declares state of emergency for NC 12 repairs

Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency in Dare and Hyde counties following two consecutive coastal storms that caused significant structural damage to N.C. Highway 12. The governor is seeking emergency relief funding from the Federal Highway Administration to support immediate repairs and long-term resilience solutions for the vital route.

The storms caused ocean overwash and flooding, undermining approximately 244 meters of pavement near Pea Island and destroying over 550 meters of protective dunes. Significant damage was also reported in Dare County between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, as well as on Ocracoke Island in Hyde County.

To maintain connectivity while highway repairs are underway, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has implemented a 24-hour emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, providing access between Hatteras Island and the mainland.