Asphalt Arrives!

Today, one of our engineers remarked that he'd never seen anything as beautiful as crews putting down asphalt on the section of N.C. 12 north of Mirlo Beach damaged by Hurricane Sandy and twin Nor'easters. Many fans of our N.C. 12 Facebook page think he's right. And, for good reason.

Folks who live, work and like to visit Rodanthe and places south have had to access those beloved spots via four-wheel drive vehicles or the emergency ferry route for weeks. It hasn't been easy - that we know.

But, the sight of heavy equipment putting down fresh asphalt to rebuild this road that serves as a vital lifeline for so many offers the promise that all the hardship is about to end.

Crews today began putting down the first layer of asphalt, and tomorrow - if the weather holds - they'll add a second layer. As soon as the road is striped and the edges of the road are sloped, then we'll reopen the road to all traffic.

That day isn't far off. We're confident that we can achieve our goal of reopening the highway on or by Dec. 25. What a great Christmas gift that will be!