Last Updated on March 16, 2023 1:17 pm
5:22pm Final 421 Update – It appears the work to fix the gas line has worked and the road is back open totally and without any more issues.
UPDATE 2:42pm- Intersection of 421/Bamboo is back open for now as crews work on a patch for the line. Should the patch not hold then the intersection will be closed again.
UPDATE 1:23pm – Hwy 421 will remain closed at least through this evening, according to Boone Police. All detours are still in place.
UPDATE – As of 1pm that section of 421 is still closed and all detours are still in place.
A natural gas leak has forced the closure of U.S. 421 in both directions just outside of Boone city limits.
The leak occurred on Thursday night forcing the closure around 7:35pm in the area of Bamboo Road and Highway 421 intersection. Transportation and other local officials are scheduled to meet Friday morning with Frontier to discuss possible solutions. Early estimates indicate that U.S. 421 could be closed at least through midday on Friday.
The detour routes drivers to U.S. 421 Exit 286A for N.C 16 South, then N.C. 18 South for 23 miles to Lenoir and then U.S. 321 North to Boone. The reverse applies for traffic leaving Boone.
Truck Traffic use US Highway 321 to Bypass the Closure.
Passenger Car Traffic:
Traveling US Highway 421 North into Boone: Turn Left onto Old 421; Turn Right onto Browns Chapel Road; Turn Left onto Bamboo Road; Turn Right onto Deerfield Road to US Highway 321.
Traveling US Highway 421 South from Boone: Turn Right onto NC 105 Extension; Turn Left onto US Highway 321; Turn Left onto Deerfield Road; Turn Left onto Bamboo Road; Turn Right onto Browns Chapel Road; Turn Left onto Old 421 to US Highway 421.
Transportation officials remind drivers to obey all posted signs, drive with caution in work zones and in this case, allow extra time for the detour.
