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Work continues toward completion of a coastal resiliency project in Duck.

According to Duck community development director Joe Heard, Fred Smith Company recently completed laying a base layer of asphalt on NC12 and several connector streets from the former Resort Realty building located at 1248 Duck Road to Sunset Grille at 1264 Duck Road, a distance of about 1,500 feet.

During the construction process, frequent lane closures were needed and some still occur which have a direct impact on the flow of traffic.

The primary work on NC12 is aimed at raising that low-lying stretch of NC12 immediately adjacent to the Currituck Sound that has experienced severe flooding from both Currituck Sound waters, heavy rains and stormwater runoff events.

The only highway link to the Currituck Outer Banks north of Duck, storm surges from the Currituck Sound often result in flooding events that prohibit north-south travel. NC12 flooding impacts daily travel, access for emergency vehicles, limits use as an evacuation route, and makes travel difficult for pedestrian and bicycle travels. Raising the elevation of that stretch of Highway 12 is an important goal in the town’s hazard mitigation plan.

More than just highway improvement work, the project includes shoreline stabilization and protection, drainage improvements, construction of a 5 foot wide sidewalk on the west side of NC 12 between the former Resort Realty building and Sunset Grille.

During the February 7 Duck Town Council meeting, Heard advised that Fred Smith Co. will begin sidewalk work in the next couple of weeks.

This past December the living shoreline sill installation and stone revetment installation was completed. Reclamation work began January 8.

Funding sources for the coastal resiliency project include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, N.C. Department of Public Safety, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Dare County Tourism Board, and Dare County Soil and Water Conservation.

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