MANTEO — The state Department of Transportation will hold two public workshops next month to discuss options for N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island, which was damaged by Hurricane Irene.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported the first public forum is scheduled Dec. 5 at the Dare County Administrative Building in Manteo. The second is to be held Dec. 6 at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center on the island.

The road provides the only access for vehicles to the island. Hurricane Irene cut off the island when it struck in August by creating a new inlet and other breaches. The transportation department built a temporary bridge over the inlet and repaired the breaches but is now looking for more permanent repairs.