FY2022 protect grant - sand - solving access for NC 12 in dare county

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) a $1,865,000 Project Grant on July 30, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to conduct a comprehensive planning study for long-term roadway operations during major storm events. Specifically, the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant (No. PROT-25-0016-NC) funds analysis and planning activities for approximately 11 miles of North Carolina Highway 12 on Pea Island in Dare County, spanning from the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet to the Rodanthe "Jug Handle" Bridge.

The project deliverables include a planning study that will address the resilience and operational continuity of NC Highway 12 during major storm events, with a focus on climate adaptation and natural hazard mitigation. This planning effort supports FHWA's broader Highway Planning and Construction program objectives by advancing transportation infrastructure resilience and identifying strategies for maintaining critical highway access in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards and severe weather conditions.

Project description

NC 12 from rodanthe to oregon inlet. Conduct a planning study for the long-term operation of the roadway during major storm events. This project was awarded a protect (promoting resilient operations) grant (grant no. Prot-25-0016-NC). The study area includes the approximately 11-mile stretch of north carolina highway 12 (NC 12) on PEA island, between the marc basnight bridge, which spans oregon inlet, and the rodanthe "JUG handle" bridge in dare county, north carolina.