DOT Spokesman Brian Rick said the area was selected for repairs because, historically, the area has flooded during heavy rain and storm events, causing the DOT to close the road and establish a detour.“This project will help prevent this road from flooding during these events,” he said.The DOT is currently evaluating hydraulic design options for the area, which stretches 1 mile in each direction down N.C. 133 from Funston Road. Hydraulic design options include replacing existing crossline pipes with larger box culverts or a potential bridge structure, Rick said.Related Article: 600-pound black bear killed when car slams into it on NC highwayBrian Watts, Brunswick County’s emergency services director, said flooding is a major issue on N.C. 133 and “hopefully DOT can fix it.”“With the least little bit of rain, we’re losing Hwy. 133,” Watts said. “And that is not only for the people in Southport trying to get to Wilmington, but it’s a major thoroughfare. God forbid if we were having to evacuate for a hurricane or a nuclear episode … when we lose that route, that turns into a nightmare for us.”Click here to read the full story. Flooding on NC 133 (Photo: WWAY) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (Star News) — A $1 million effort could bring some relief to flooding issues on N.C. 133 in northern Brunswick County — although Brunswick officials warn there are plenty of other flooding hot spots in the county that also need drainage improvements.The N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to do repairs to a 2-mile section of N.C. 133 at Funston Road, which is about 10 miles south of U.S. 17-74-76 in Leland.- Advertisement – read more