Projects

Currituck Sound Coastal Resiliency Project

Project Name

Location

Duck, North Carolina

Owner

Town of Duck

General Contractor

Fred Smith Company

Project Details

The Currituck Sound Coastal Resiliency Project, overseen by the Town of Duck and executed by Fred Smith Company as the prime contractor, addresses critical coastal erosion and flooding issues along a 1,500-foot stretch of NC 12 from 1248 Duck Road to 1264 Duck Road. This multi-faceted project includes:

Living Shoreline Construction: Installation of near-shore sills to reduce wave energy and protect coastal wetlands.
Habitat Restoration: Replanting and restoration of coastal wetland habitat.
Shoreline Protection: Installation of a stone revetment to safeguard the shoreline and NC 12.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: Extension of sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of NC 12.
Roadway Elevation: Raising the elevation of NC 12 to mitigate flooding and maintain connectivity north of Duck Village.
Drainage Improvements: Installing stormwater management systems to reduce flooding and improve water quality.

Over decades, the area experienced substantial erosion of coastal wetlands that protect the shoreline, leading to routine flooding along a low-lying quarter-mile stretch of NC 12. Identified in the Town’s vulnerability assessment and hazard mitigation plan, this project aims to enhance resiliency and lessen the likelihood of flooding.

Funding Sources:
The project received generous grant funding from multiple sources, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, N.C. Department of Public Safety, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Dare County Tourism Board, and Dare County Soil & Water Conservation. The property owners and neighborhood associations also played a crucial role by providing easements for construction.

By implementing living shoreline enhancements, elevating the roadway, and adding pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, this project significantly improves the resiliency and safety of this important highway stretch. The successful completion underscores Fred Smith Company’s commitment to excellence and their positive impact on coastal infrastructure, supporting both environmental protection and community connectivity.