Underwater Surveys and Pile Tests on Completed on Bonner Bridge

Our crews completed several tests and surveys of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge on N.C. 12 over the Oregon Inlet in Dare County today. These tests will provide crucial information to help evaluate the overall effectiveness of the sand placed in the area where erosion occurred and determine the next steps for repairs. 

Results of the information gathered today should be available Thursday. Photos of the various activities conducted at the bridge can be found on NCDOT’s Flickr site.

As part of today’s testing, crews with NCDOT’s Location and Surveys Unit conducted an underwater sonar survey of the area around Bent 166. Dive crews also inspected the area to assess if the sand is compacting as it needs to in order to properly support the bridge.

The department also began testing how much weight the bridge piles can carry. Carolina Bridge Company Inc. will drive two test piles into the inlet floor near the general vicinity of Bent 166. As of 4:30 p.m., they had completed one test drive.

NCDOT’s geotechnical staff will use the data gathered today, as well as additional surveys, to fully assess this situation and future repairs. Once a full assessment of the bridge’s safety is complete, NCDOT will determine the next steps. According to NCDOT Division 1 Engineer Jerry Jennings, the timeframe for reopening the bridge could be about a week from now or up to 90 days, depending on the findings of the assessment and timeline for repairs.

Approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sand were pumped during the weekend from the main navigation channel of the Oregon Inlet to the location at Bent 166 underneath the Bonner Bridge where scour, or the erosion of sand from bridge pilings, caused NCDOT to close the bridge on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Emergency Repairs

NCDOT awarded a $1.6 million contract to Carolina Bridge Company Inc. of Orangeburg, S.C. last week for emergency repairs on the Bonner Bridge.

Crews will use sandbags and four-foot tall A-Jacks to provide support to the bridge pilings and prevent further scour from occurring. A-Jacks interlocked together will be placed around the perimeter of the support structure at Bent 166. Crews will then place sandbags inside the line of A-Jacks. An additional two layers of A-Jacks and sandbags will then be placed on top of the base layer for a total of 10-12 feet of additional protection. This will allow sand to collect over the sandbags and A-Jacks, providing additional support to the structure.

Contractor crews have begun mobilizing equipment and materials to the bridge site. NCDOT and the contractor are working together to develop a timeframe for the repairs to be complete.

Emergency Ferry Route

NCDOT’s Ferry Division activated its emergency route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe with limited service the night of the bridge closure. The route went into full operation Wednesday, Dec. 4, with steady traffic and short-to-moderate wait times reported at both terminals. Dare County Emergency Managementhas issued a priority loading list for the route. The emergency ferry route will continue seven days a week as long as service is needed. Ferry information is available on the Ferry Division website, by calling 800-293-3779, or via Facebook and Twitter at @NCDOT_Ferry.

For More Information

NCDOT will continue to update the public on this situation online and via its N.C. 12 Facebook page and N.C. 12 Twitter account.

Permanent Replacement

While NCDOT is working hard to reopen the Bonner Bridge to traffic as quickly as possible, the emergency repairs are not considered a permanent fix for the aging bridge. After 50 years of weathering many storms, the bridge needs to be replaced. In July 2011, NCDOT awarded a $215.8 million contract for the design and construction of a new bridge. Design work began immediately and construction of the new bridge was set to begin in early 2013; however, lawsuits have put the project on hold.

Read more about the history of the Bonner Bridge and the challenges to replacing this lifeline.

Buxton

We understand that ocean overwash along N.C. 12 in the Outer Banks often makes it difficult for residents, visitors and businesses to get where they need to go efficiently. The state of emergency declared by Gov. McCrory helps us move forward with a short-term solution to protect this critical coastal highway at its most vulnerable location – the S-Curves.

Overwash at the S-Curves in March 2013

Currently, when overwash occurs at the S-Curves, it often forces N.C. 12 to close, making it challenging for people to get to jobs, education or medical appointments. A series of storms, including hurricanes Irene and Sandy, severely eroded the beach just north of Rodanthe.  Without the beach to act as a buffer, the strong surf threatens to undermine the structure and safety of the road.

That is why we have acquired $20.8 million in Hurricane Sandy emergency repair funds from the Federal Highway Administration to rebuild the beach at the S-Curves. Nourishment will provide much-needed protection to N.C. 12 until we can put a long-term solution in place in the coming years.

Although Buxton also experiences overwash, it was not included in the emergency declaration for several reasons. When overwash occurs, it washes water and sand onto N.C. 12, but it does not currently threaten the road’s integrity. Following recent storms, our crews have cleared the overwash off the road quickly without requiring repairs. In addition, N.C. 12 at Buxton does not qualify for federal emergency repair funds, and is not a candidate for state transportation funding for repair and protection at this time.

We have identified the section of N.C. 12 in Buxton as a “hot spot” that may see increased erosion in the future. We are studying this location to determine feasible long-term options for maintaining transportation along N.C. 12 if future conditions threaten the long-term viability of the existing roadway.

State of Emergency for NC 12 After Storms, High Surf

On March 19, Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency for N.C. 12 in Dare County to help the N.C. Department of Transportation move ahead with a short-term solution to protect the critical coastal highway from frequent ocean overwash caused by high winds and strong surf.

The declaration comes at the recommendation of Transportation Secretary Tony Tata, following a visit and town hall meeting along the Outer Banks on March 11. The governor and secretary surveyed the area and talked with residents about having a more reliable route between Hatteras Island and the mainland.

“The people there have real concerns about the road they depend on to get to work, school or medical appointments,” said Governor McCrory. “They need a highway that is not forced to close every time a storm approaches. By declaring a State of Emergency, NCDOT can fast-track work to rebuild the beach along the S-Curves, so we can keep the road open until a long-term solution is in place.”

A series of storms, including Hurricane Sandy last fall, resulted in severe beach erosion along N.C. 12 at the S-Curves.

NCDOT has already executed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to nourish the beach along the S-Curves. NCDOT is currently working closely with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to swiftly acquire the permit needed to conduct the work. The target date to begin beach nourishment is mid-to-late spring.

NCDOT has also acquired $20.8 million in Hurricane Sandy emergency response funding from the Federal Highway Administration to pay for the beach nourishment. The one-time emergency response effort will fortify the section of N.C. 12 most often threatened by powerful winds for three years by which time a permanent solution should be built.

“We know this work can’t wait. N.C. 12 is an important pipeline for visitors who have a major impact on the local and statewide economy.” Secretary Tata said. “We want to ensure residents get the help they need now as we continue to look for innovative and strategic ways to make a lasting impact.”

At this time, NCDOT is considering two long-term solutions for the S-Curves, a roughly one-mile section of N.C. 12 just north of Mirlo Beach. They include a bridge within the existing easement and a 2.5-mile bridge that extends into the Pamlico Sound. The department will hold public meetings about the options this summer and plans to award a contract for construction this fall.

In early March, strong winds pummeled the Outer Banks, causing significant overwash at the S-Curves and forcing the road to close on and off temporarily for more than a week. NCDOT crews have reopened the road and are now in the process of replacing the sand that blew off the sandbags installed after Hurricane Sandy last year.

Quick Update - Sandbags and Ferries

Sandbag installation is now complete along the part of N.C. 12 just north of Mirlo Beach that was damaged during Hurricane Sandy and a pair of Nor'easters last year. The final 41 sandbags were put into place on Monday, Jan. 21, connecting the section of sandbags from the north end to the section at the south end. The total number of sandbags placed along this section of N.C. 12 is 2,048.

Crews resumed hauling sand in this morning to cover the sandbags and rebuild the dunes. Weather permitting, this should be complete Wednesday afternoon.

While the work is under way, the highway remains open to traffic.
 

FERRY INFORMATION

Operations at the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route have been suspended until further notice. The shoaling situation at Hatteras Inlet has made the route impassable.

The Ferry Division added more departures to its Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route, beginning Saturday, Jan. 19, to assist Ocracoke residents and vendors. This schedule, with toll-exempt status for residents and vendors, will continue until the Hatteras ferry channel resumes operations. The schedule is as follows:

• Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Ocracoke at 7 a.m., 10, 12:30 p.m. and 7.

The Ferry Division continues to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard to assess the situation daily. The USACE has issued a dredging contract to address the channel shoaling, and work is under way, but several weeks could pass before dredging alleviates the problem.

A Drudge of a Dredge

As of right now, no work is going on N.C. 12 at Mirlo Beach because of a mechanical issue with the dredge pump.  The pump is not generating enough pressure to keep its lines from clogging with sand.  A part needed to fix the issue has been ordered and will be shipped overnight.  The repair is expected to be made tomorrow.

The dredge is the large red piece of heavy equipment in background

The gap between the sandbags placed at the north and sound ends of the highway is now approximately 100 feet wide.  Our engineers calculate that it will take 200 sandbags to fill in the gap. However, crews can’t resume the sandbag installation until the malfunctioning dredge is fixed.  The dredge is used to remove water and sand from the work site and sand collected by the dredged is then used to fill the sandbags.

Tomorrow, the plan is to begin hauling sand from Avon to fill in the trench between the sandbags and edge of the road. This will take approximately two days. Once the trench is filled, it will protect the edge of the road any overwash  gets through the sandbags. The trenches need to be filled before crews can begin covering the sandbags with sand to rebuild the dunes.

Weather on Friday will be windy with an “ugly”ocean.   Winds reaching 20-30 miles per hour could batter the Outer Banks starting Thursday night  and continuing into Friday. High surf driving by swells of 8-11 feet could become an issue, depending on winds and high tides.  

A Lifeline

The Outer Banks Voice did a nice profile of the emergency ferry service.  Thanks to the good folks there, for this and for all they do for their community!

We know it's interesting, but...

....we don;t want anyone to get hurt in the NC 12 work zones.  Not in your cars.  And not on foot.  We've had some folks venturing out to take pictures of the work, to get a higher view, etc. But as interesting as it it, with all the heavy equipment out there, and the debris and deep sand  it's just not safe.  We know you understand.  Thanks!

Drips and drabs, odds and ends

A few things to note from today...

4WD Access Route Work Completed

Damaged pavement removed from an area near the S-Curves on NC 12

About an hour or so ahead of schedule, the four-wheel drive access route re-opened in the 3:00 o'clock hour after being closed earlier this morning for maintenance, including work to

level the sand in the areas where tires created deep ruts.  Today's work will result in a safer, more stable ride.

Installation of the culverts on Nov. 29

Crews also removed damaged pavement and graded the road where the four-wheel drive route connects to N.C. 12 -  Mirlo Beach and about 0.4 miles north of the S-Curves. This is part of the work necessary to rebuild and reopen N.C. 12 to all traffic on or by Dec. 25, weather permitting.

Weather...Again

Members of the sandbag crew at work

It was a blustery day out on NC 12 and the wind kicked up from the Northeast.  We're keeping tabs on what the conditions may do in the next 24-48 hours or so.  This nifty interactive map from the folks at the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City shows you the conditions - including wind speeds and gusts and wave height.  Our crews have been installing 15-foot-long sandbags along a 0.4-mile section of N.C. 12 at the S-Curves just north of Rodanthe on Pea Island. This in order to protect the road from ocean overwash.  Drainage culverts have also been installed to help lessen the damage caused by conditions that generate overwash.

The sandbag work was done under the watchful eyes of our very special "offshore inspectors"

Out of the mouths (and artistic eyes) of babes

Priceless.

We love you too, Jack!

One of several thank you letters

posted inside the temporary ferry terminal on the Rodanthe side of the emergency ferry route.  From Hatteras Elementary School

NC 12 Plan Q&A

Q&A about Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts along N.C. 12

We’ve gotten a variety of questions about our recovery plans along N.C. 12 in Dare County. We want to answer those questions, so you can better understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.

Q: Why are you rebuilding N.C. 12 in the same place?

A: We’re rebuilding N.C. 12 in the same location at the S-Curves, because it is the fastest way to restore access from Hatteras Island to the mainland. We know it hasn’t been easy for residents and visitors to use the emergency ferry route and the four-wheel drive route to get where they need to go. That is why we’re committed to reopening the highway to all vehicles as quickly as possible. Our goal is to have traffic flowing on N.C. 12 on or by Dec. 25.

Q: Are you considering beach nourishment at the S-Curves?

A: Yes. Beach nourishment is currently under consideration as we work to rebuild and reopen N.C. 12 near Mirlo Beach. We’re working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate this option. No final decision has been made yet.

Q: Can you put down mats on the four-wheel drive route?

A: It is possible to put mats on the soft sand; however, they will only stabilize the route for four-wheel drive vehicles. The mats will not provide a surface stable or level enough for all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, we have chosen at this time not to use mats, because they would not greatly enhance the level of service we can provide, and they would take a great deal of effort to maintain.

Q: Can you put down gravel on the four-wheel drive route? Why not pave the four-wheel drive “sand road” and put dunes to the east of it?

A:  If we put down gravel or asphalt on the four-wheel drive route, we would be creating a permanent structure on Pea Island that is not inside our property lines. To do that, we would need to get special approval from a number of regulatory agencies. In addition, if we built a road on a new location, we would also need to build a temporary bridge at the overwash area to ensure access during storms. These combined steps would take far longer to implement and open to traffic than our current plan of rebuilding N.C. 12 in the same location, which should be complete on or by Christmas Day. Our goal is to reopen the highway as quickly as possible.

Q: Do you have long-term plans for the S-Curves?

A: Yes. In Rodanthe, the department is considering two options. The first one includes elevating N.C. 12 onto a bridge within the existing easement, which would end just north of the community center and not require beach nourishment. The second option is constructing an approximately 2.5-mile bridge that would extend into the Pamlico Sound and connect back to Rodanthe just north of the community center. These long-term solutions are currently moving through the environmental planning process required by the state and federal governments. We plan to award a contract for construction in the fall of 2013. 

Visit our new N.C. 12 webpage for more information.

We Have a Date!

Calm weather conditions have prevailed in Dare County and our crews have made significant repairs to N.C. 12 and we are now able to move to the next step - a   temporary solution to reconnect all traffic on Hatteras Island to points north of Mirlo Beach. This will be a multi-step process that will include installing sandbags, reconstructing dunes, and rebuilding the road near Rodanthe where Hurricane Sandy and a pair of Nor’easters damaged the highway.

What's Happening Now
Crews are currently placing 15-foot-long sandbags along a 0.4-mile section of N.C. 12 at the S-Curves just north of Rodanthe on Pea Island. In all, 1,800 new sandbags will go in to create a protective barrier between the ocean and the road. Once the sandbags are in place, we'll rebuild the dunes on top of the sandbags.

At the same time, broken pavement will be hauled off from this section of N.C. 12. After sandbags are installed at the most heavily damaged parts of the highway, crews will begin rebuilding the road where it was located before the series of storms hit. And as you know, all work is heavily dependent on the weather and tidal conditions.

Weather permitting, we hope to open the newly paved lanes of N.C. 12 to all traffic on or by Dec. 25. Until then, four-wheel drive vehicles must continue to pass through checkpoints at the temporary bridge on Pea Island and Mirlo Beach to travel between Hatteras Island and the mainland.

Motorists are reminded that any private vehicle larger than a one-ton truck cannot use the route in order to protect access and allow traffic to flow more efficiently. In addition, private trucks with trailers are not permitted. Two-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed on the route under any circumstance.
More information on N.C. 12 recovery efforts is available on our N.C. 12 Recovery webpage and N.C. 12 Facebook page. For the latest details on the emergency ferry route, as well as schedules for our regular ferry routes, call 1-800-BY-FERRY and press 1, or visit the NCDOT Ferry page.

Updates: Temporary Bridge, Rodanthe and The Emergency Ferry

What's Happened? What's Next?

Paving 
As you may know, paving at the temporary bridge was completed yesterday.  Replacement of guardrail is the only remaining work there and that should begin today or tomorrow.  A temporary signal with a one lane traffic pattern will be in place at the temporary bridge until the guardrail is completed.

Paving of the repaired spans on Bonner Bridge were completed on Monday.
 
In an effort to reduce the length of the closed areas that have to be managed, Dare County is moving the checkpoints south of the temporary bridge.  

All other work with the exception of guardrail at the temporary bridge is complete.

S-Curves
At Rodanthe, sandbag installation continues along the east side of NC 12.  The contractor is working from south to north.  Additionally, removal of damaged pavement is set to begin on Monday. 

Monday Ferry Schedule Note
  
On Monday, Dec. 3, the 10 p.m. emergency ferry departure from Stumpy point to Rodanthe will be delayed so that a davit cable for the lifeboat on the Motor Vessel Hatteras can be replaced.  More details.

UPDATE: 4WD Access Opened Ahead of Schedule!

Our crew completed the maintenance work on the four-wheel drive access detour two hours ahead of schedule and it is now open to traffic!

Big, big kudos to the folks out there who worked hard to shore  up the access detour!

NOTE: The weight restrictions on the 4WD access that were initiated Tuesday ARE still in place.