By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina transportation officials plan to brief the Outer Banks community meeting this month after coastal road, N.C. 12, abruptly closed two weeks ago due to surprise rainfall flooding.
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Dare County government officials plan to host the meeting that will explore how to “enhance communication” for closures of the critical highway, according to a Dare County news release.
An 11-mile stretch of N.C. 12 is known to close — this time with no warning — and receive storm damage thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound on either side.
On July 24, N.C. 12 closed from the Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe when intense rainfall triggered “significant flooding,” the news release said.
Photos from NC DOT the day of the N.C. 12 closure showed some cars plowing through deep water on Pea Island after up to 7 inches of rain fell in a couple of days.
The Friday closure concerned many Outer Banks vacationers trying to reach rental homes for the weekly “changeover” the following day — on Saturday.
On the day of the closure, some residents asked about allowing raised 4-wheel-drive vehicles through. Others wanted to know how to find out when the road would reopen, while others suggested deploying officers in the worst stretch to guide drivers.
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At the upcoming meeting, DOT officials will talk to the community about “communicating potential and active highway closures with the public.”
The August 18 meeting will also “review the circumstances surrounding closures of N.C. 12” and discuss existing procedures for monitoring roadway conditions, the news release said.
The NCDOT and Dare County officials said they will seek input from the community after concerns about the July 24 closure.
“The discussion will also provide an opportunity to gather community feedback and explore ways to enhance communication before, during and after future weather-related closures,” the release said.
The August 18 meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fessenden Center, located at 46830 N.C.12 in Buxton.
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