North Carolina Highway 24

North Carolina Highway 24 is located between multiple waterways and is vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. The NC Department of Transportation opted for nature-based solutions over traditional repairs. This project constructed 260 meters of living shoreline, comprised of granite rock and oyster reef structures and a 0.1-hectare salt marsh. This project has cheaper anticipated long-term maintenance costs than traditional hardened shoreline projects. The oyster reefs created will improve water quality, and both the reefs and planted marsh will enhance biodiversity along the shoreline. This highway is key infrastructure for bringing tourists into the area, and this project protects NC-24 from storms and sea-level rise.