If you’ve driven onto Topsail Island through Surf City lately, you’ve probably noticed the cones on Roland Avenue. That’s the town’s Waterline Resiliency Project, one of the biggest utility upgrades on the Surf City side of the island in decades. It’s mostly out of sight once it’s done, but it matters for anyone who owns, rents out, or is thinking about buying a home on the island. Here’s what’s happening, where things stand this fall, and what it means for homeowners and buyers.
What the Waterline Resiliency Project Is
According to the Town of Surf City’s project page, Surf City Utilities is running a new water line from the mainland, under the Intracoastal Waterway, east along Roland Avenue and then north along North Shore Drive. A duplicate 12-inch line is being added on Roland Avenue. On North Shore Drive, the existing 4-inch line, installed in 1968, is being replaced with a new 8-inch line.
The town says the upgrade will increase water capacity, significantly improve its ability to fight fires on the island, and bring the line up to current standards. The project page lists $6.8 million in funding through the federal Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA), structured as a 0% loan with 25% forgiveness that the town repays over 20 years.
Where Things Stand This Fall
Construction began the week of April 6, 2026, starting along North Shore Drive near Dolphin Avenue, as WCTI reported. In late September, WECT reported on Sept. 24, 2026 that crews had started the next phase, installing the new line beneath the Intracoastal Waterway, with Roland Avenue on the island side reduced to one lane between North New River Drive and Coconut Cove.
The town’s project page anticipates about 18 months of work, wrapping up around December 2027, with crews on site Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents should expect minor utility interruptions along North Shore Drive, and the town notifies affected households through its CodeRED alert system.
A Note on This Week’s Outage
On the night of Oct. 27, 2026, WCTI reported a water main break that left part of the island, from Roland Avenue south to the Surf City and Topsail Beach town line, without water while crews made repairs. Town officials said the break was not related to the Waterline Resiliency Project. Still, it’s a good reminder of why the town is investing in more capacity and redundancy on the island.
Why It Matters for Island Homeowners
- Fire protection. More water capacity on the island directly supports firefighting. For homes built close together on narrow lots, that’s a real safety improvement.
- Reliability. A second, larger line coming onto the island adds redundancy. Over time, that should mean fewer situations where one problem affects a wide stretch of homes.
- A future multi-use path. When the work is finished, the contractor will grade the area back to a new elevation in preparation for a proposed multi-use path along North Shore Drive. Walkability and bike access are features buyers on the island consistently ask about.
- Short-term inconvenience. If you own a rental on or near Roland Avenue or North Shore Drive, let your guests and property manager know about lane closures and possible brief water interruptions, and sign up for CodeRED alerts.
What It Means for Buyers
Infrastructure work like this is usually a quiet positive for a beach town’s long-term appeal. If you’re shopping in Surf City, here are a few practical points:
- Ask about the street. If a home is on North Shore Drive or near Roland Avenue, ask the seller or listing agent how construction has affected the property and whether the town has notified them about any work in the right-of-way.
- Know about CAMA. The work sits within an Area of Environmental Concern under North Carolina’s Coastal Area Management Act, so it required a CAMA permit. Properties next to the route received letters from the town. Ask whether the home you’re considering got one.
- Look at the bigger picture. Surf City’s planning documents also discuss stormwater improvements and a possible water treatment plant expansion to keep up with growth. Utilities and drainage are worth asking about anywhere on the coast.
- Plan for showings. Weekday traffic near the high-rise bridge and Roland Avenue can be slower, so build in a little extra time.
What It Means for Sellers
If you’re listing a home near the project area, be upfront about the timeline and point to the long-term benefits: improved fire protection, added water capacity, and the planned multi-use path. Buyers tend to be comfortable with temporary construction when they understand what’s coming and when it ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Surf City waterline work last?
The town’s project page estimates about 18 months of construction, finishing around December 2027.
Was this week’s water outage caused by the project?
No. Town officials said the Oct. 27 water main break was not related to the Waterline Resiliency Project.
Which streets are affected?
The route runs from the mainland under the Intracoastal Waterway, along Roland Avenue, and north along North Shore Drive. Roland Avenue on the island side has been reduced to one lane between North New River Drive and Coconut Cove during the current phase.
How do I get updates?
Follow the town’s project page and sign up for the town’s CodeRED alerts for service interruption notices.
Thinking About Topsail Island?
Whether you’re weighing a second home in Surf City, a rental on the island, or a move to the Hampstead and Sneads Ferry side of the bridge, local details like this make a difference. Talk with the Aspyre Collective team about what’s happening on the streets you’re considering and how it fits your plans.
