Repaving begins on storm-damaged NC 12

RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) - The portion of highway along North Carolina's Outer Banks that Superstorm Sandy damaged remains on schedule to reopen by Christmas Day, with workers beginning to repave the road.

Workers with the state Transportation Department began repaving the section of N.C. 12 at the S-curves just north of Rodanthe on Pea Island on Monday. Sandy hit at the end of October, followed by two nor'easters that also damaged the road and delayed repairs.

Crews began putting down a layer of asphalt Tuesday. They plan to add a second, thinner layer Wednesday. Then they must paint lines and add a gradual slope to the edge of the pavement.

DOT officials say they expect the road to reopen by Christmas Day. After the reopening, crews will continue to fill sandbags and rebuild dunes.