Gov. Beverly Perdue says North Carolina will build a temporary bridge across the largest breach that Hurricane Irene carved on Hatteras Island and will fill in all the other breaks in the road, allowing the area to reopen within a month.
Perdue said Friday the repairs will cost $10 million, which will be paid for with federal dollars. She says the short-term repairs will give the state Transportation Department time to develop a long-term plan for N.C. Highway 12.
Hurricane Irene slammed into Hatteras Island on Saturday morning, creating breaches at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, south of the Bonner Bridge, and in the village of Rodanthe. Residents of some villages are being allowed to return to the island this weekend.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
