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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Lee Avenue Construction Update
Emerald Isle, NC: The Town of Emerald Isle plans to resume construction on the Lee Avenue culvert project. Repairs may begin (as early as) Monday, July 17, 2023, or very soon thereafter. The actual start date is dependent upon weather, materials, and labor. Construction may last into the middle of August.
Lee Ave. Closure/ Detour Route
The remaining culvert work will require the closure of Lee Avenue.
Traffic will officially be detoured to Bogue Inlet Drive. Signs will direct Lee Avenue travelers to use Bogue Inlet Drive, allowing persons to access Sound Drive.
Residents and property owners along Bogue Inlet and alternate (north-south) streets should anticipate increased traffic flow during the construction period.
NOTE: It is likely that travelers may legally access alternative routes to reach Sound Drive and points north of the Lee Avenue crossing at Archers Creek.
Length of Construction
Due to the complex installation of the headwalls required to secure the culvert pipe, construction may last into mid-August of 2023.
The goal of the engineers, contractors, and Town officials is to complete the work as swiftly as possible.
Repairs being done in 2023 will protect the Town and its property owners for decades to come.
Why is Emerald Isle doing this work in peak season?
The Town of Emerald Isle would prefer to complete all maintenance work in the offseason. Yet, federal funding is being used to make major improvements along Archers Creek and elsewhere on the island.
FINANCES: Each federally funded project has a time constraint and work must be done soon.
TECHNICAL: Portions of the work being performed cannot be done during cold winter months.
SUPPLY CHAIN: As with other segments of the market, supply chain disruptions and price increases have impacted every project in Emerald Isle.
CONTRACTOR AVAILABILITY: It is common knowledge that labor shortages are a severe problem in nearly every trade and skilled workforce position. These shortages are placing greater demand on contractors to schedule and complete projects.
Lee Avenue CAMA Permit
The Town of Emerald Isle contracted with the engineering firm of Moffatt & Nichol to design and bid the Lee Avenue project. The same firm is also designing and will release construction bids for culvert replacements at Cedar Street, Bogue Inlet, and Old Ferry Road in Emerald Isle.
Due to a technical oversight, an additional CAMA permit for Lee Avenue was not secured prior to the start of construction.
A CAMA permit is not needed at Cedar Street, Bogue Inlet, and Old Ferry Road.
Officials have worked closely with the Division of Coastal Management, North Carolina Marine Fisheries, and the Army Corp. of Engineers to assure that all necessary permits are secure to complete work across Archers Creek in Emerald Isle.
Summary
The Town of Emerald Isle is extremely fortunate to have received more than $10M in FEMA federal funding. There are over 18 projects identified for repair or replacement in Emerald Isle. Each of these grant projects are fully funded and do not require any local tax dollars.
Town officials ask for the general public’s patience as we make these critical infrastructure repairs. We sincerely apologize for any and all disruptions associated with the ongoing and future projects.
The public is encouraged to monitor the progress of the projects here: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/403/Current-Projects