Last Updated on January 18, 2012 6:05 pm
Some homeowners in Blowing Rock are receiving a notice from Sauls Seismic, Inc. of Statesville regarding “Blast Notification & Photo Survey Request” for the U.S. 321 widening project in Blowing Rock. This survey is part of the project’s preconstruction process and will provide a reference of property conditions prior to any blasting performed on the project.
Field technicians from Sauls Seismic are leaving the survey requests at homes or properties that are within about 500 feet of anticipated blasting and 100 feet of locations where heavy equipment will be operated. The notification explains why the blasting is necessary, vibration potential on the property and how the blasts will be monitored. Property owners who would like to schedule a survey should call 1-800-351-8566.
A project kickoff meeting will take place at The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum conference room on Monday, Jan. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. This meeting will allow residents to speak with project contractor Taylor & Murphy Construction Co. Inc. of Asheville and others about the project, including blasting, traffic control and communications, as well as view the project map in an informal setting.
During construction, the contractor can close sections of U.S. 321 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for blasting and debris removal. In addition, the contractor can close the road either Monday or Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for blasting and debris removal. All blasting will be done before dark.
The $66.4 million project, which is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 1, 2015, will widen about 4 miles of U.S. 321 through Blowing Rock from two to four lanes from Blackberry Road south of Blowing Rock to the Shoppes on the Parkway shopping center near U.S. 221. Improvements include additional through lanes, turn lanes new lighting and new retaining walls at selected locations. The project will also increase sight distances by straightening curves.
