State to hold two public forums about future of NC 12

The state Transportation Department is holding two public workshops this week to discuss options for N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island, which was damaged by Hurricane Irene.

The first public forum will be held Monday Dec. 5 at the Dare County Administrative Building in Manteo from 4 to 7 p.m. The second will be held Tuesday at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center on the island, also from 4 to 7 p.m.

DOT representatives will be available to explain design options under construction for each breach and will also be answering general questions. 

The road provides the only access for vehicles to the island. Hurricane Irene cut off the island when it struck in August by creating a new inlet and other breaches. The Transportation Department built a temporary bridge over the inlet and repaired the breaches but now is looking for more permanent repairs.