To enhance one of the most vulnerable sections of roadway in North Carolina, NCDOT stepped in to construct the Rodanthe “Jug Handle” Bridge. Locally known as the S-Curves, the area stretching from the southern portion of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to northern Rodanthe was subject to damage from coastal erosion and shoreline advancement. Previously, storms would close the roadway for days – leaving eight communities with only ferry service for access to resources, jobs, education, and healthcare. Ensuring the road is more resilient for decades to come, the new bridge provides a buoyant highway safeguarded from storms while reducing traffic volumes. The initiative also removed 1.67 miles of roadway from the wildlife refuge, reinstating the surrounding area as a critical wildlife habitat. The project boasts reliable transportation for residents and visitors and provides a connection point for remote parts of North Carolina.
America's Transportation Awards 