R-3116B Southern NC 12

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PAT MCCRORY
GOVERNOR
May 6, 2014
Dear:
ANTHONY J. TATA
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Feasibility Studies for NC 12 Hot Spot Improvements on Hatteras and
Ocracoke Islands, Dare and Hyde Counties.
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit is developing
feasibility studies for potential improvements on the NC 12 corridor near Buxton and
Hatteras Village on Hatteras Island and on the north end of Ocracoke Island. The purpose
of the feasibility studies is to identify potential short-term and long -term transportation
alternatives as well as the environmental constraints and costs associated with those
alternatives for each of the subject hot spot areas. The cost estimates generated as part of
the feasibility studies will be used to set project priorities and construction schedules in a
future State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Ocracoke Island Hot Spot
The study area starts approximately 0.5 mile south the Hatteras Inlet Ferry
terminal and extends 5.5 miles south to the Ocracoke "Pony Pens" area. Located entirely
within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this section of NC 12 is prone to being
covered by windblown sand or damaged by storm- related sand overwash and road
undercutting. Within the study area is a critical zone, located between 1.75 miles and 3
miles south of the ferry terminal, which is estimated to be the most vulnerable to shoreline
erosion and storm damage.
Hatteras Village Hot Spot
This hot spot includes the section of NC 12 that begins southwest of SR 1272
(Elizabeth Avenue) in Hatteras Village and extends northeast for approximately 1.7 miles,
ending near SR 1487 (Cape Hatteras Drive). Included in this study area is the section of
NC 12 that was breached by Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919 - 707 -6000 LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING A
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS WEBSITE. 1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER HTTPS: //CONNECT.NCDOT. GOV/RESOURCES/ENVIRON RALEIGH NC 27610
RALEIGH NC 27699 -1548 MENTAL/PAGES/DEFAULT.ASPX

NC 12 Feasibility Studies
May 6, 2014
Page 2
Buxton -Avon Hot Spot
This hot spot begins near SR 1231 (Old Lighthouse Road) in Buxton and extends
north approximately 4.7 miles to SR 1421 (South Ocean View Court) in Avon. A portion
of NC 12 in this area was relocated shortly after Hurricane Dennis in 1999, but flooding
and overwash still occurs in the area. The study area extends south into the community of
Buxton and west into Pamlico Sound to allow for the study of a variety of long -term
transportation alternatives.
Each of the three feasibility studies will assess both short-term (5 -year project life)
and long -term (50 -year project life) alternatives.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in
evaluating potential environmental impacts as alternatives are developed. If applicable,
please identify any permits or approvals which may be required by your agency should
improvements in these areas be authorized in a future STIP. Your comments will be used
in the preparation of the feasibility studies for each of the projects. We request that you
respond by June 20, 2014, so that your comments can be used in the preparation of the
feasibility studies.
If you have any questions concerning these feasibility studies, please contact Beth
Smyre, PE, Project Development Engineer, at (919) 707 -6043 or by email at
bsm 1egncdot.gov.
Sincerely,
Richard W. Hancock, PE
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Manager
RWH /eas
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