North Carolina Highway 12 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | |
| Maintained by NCDOT | |
| Length | 148 mi (238 km) |
| Existed | 1962–present |
| Major junctions | |
| South end |  US 70 in Sealevel, NC |
  US 64 / US 158 in Nags Head US 158 in Kitty Hawk via Ocean Blvd |
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| North end | The North Beach Access Ramp North of Villages at Ocean Hill in Corolla, NC |
| Location | |
| Counties: | Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Carteret |
| Highway system | |
| North Carolina Highway System | |
North Carolina Highway 12 (NC 12) is a special road in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It stretches along the beautiful northeastern coast, following the thin strip of islands known as the Outer Banks. This highway is super popular with visitors who want to explore the beaches, lighthouses, and small towns of this unique area. Most of NC 12 is a two-lane road, offering amazing views of the ocean and sound.
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Exploring North Carolina Highway 12
NC 12 is about 148 miles long. It starts in a place called Sealevel, North Carolina, and goes all the way north to Corolla. Along its journey, it connects many famous Outer Banks towns. These include places like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Hatteras, and Ocracoke.
A Unique Coastal Drive
Driving on NC 12 is an adventure! The road often runs right next to the ocean. This means you can see sand dunes, sea oats, and the waves crashing nearby. Because it's so close to the water, the road sometimes gets covered in sand or even flooded during big storms. This makes maintaining NC 12 a big job for road crews. They work hard to keep it open and safe for everyone.
Connecting Islands with Ferries
The Outer Banks are a chain of islands. NC 12 connects many of them. But not all parts of the road are connected by land. Three sections of NC 12 are linked by ferries. These ferries are like floating bridges. They carry cars and people across the water from one island to another. For example, to get from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island, you take a free ferry ride. This adds to the unique experience of traveling on NC 12.
Important Role of NC 12
NC 12 is more than just a road for tourists. It's a lifeline for the people who live on the Outer Banks. It helps them get to work, school, and stores. It also allows emergency services to reach different communities. Without NC 12, life on these remote islands would be much harder. It truly is a vital connection for the entire region.
Dealing with Nature's Challenges
Because NC 12 is so close to the ocean, it faces many challenges from nature. Hurricanes and strong storms can cause serious damage. They can wash away parts of the road or cover it with sand. When this happens, special bridges, like temporary Bailey bridges, might be built quickly to keep traffic moving. Crews also work to rebuild sand dunes. These dunes act as natural barriers, protecting the road from the ocean.
Images for kids
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NC 12 crossing a temporary bridge built after Hurricane Irene
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Rebuilding of dunes and placement of sandbags along a breached section of NC 12, March 2013
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North Carolina Highway 12 is routed along the Outer Banks. Yellow indicates roadbed while blue indicates the ferry routes
