Last Updated on June 15, 2026 10:53 am
BANNER ELK – Lane closures will continue for approximately two weeks in Avery County while a utility company relocates a gas line ahead of an upcoming N.C. Department of Transportation culvert replacement project.
Crews began relocating gas lines on N.C. 184 between Dobbins Road and Hickory Nut Gap Road on June 1. Unforeseen circumstances and a larger scope of work than originally anticipated extended the schedule through mid-June.
Utility crews must close one lane of N.C. 184 to relocate most of the gas line, which is just under the edge of the road. Flaggers will direct traffic throughout the closures, which are limited to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Most operations will occur during daylight hours.
The gas lines must be relocated before an NCDOT culvert replacement can commence.
Hurricane Helene damaged the culvert that carries Hanging Rock Creek under N.C. 184.
Temporary repairs days after Helene hit have sufficed and allowed the highway to remain open for residents and visitors. Permanent repairs, set to begin later this year, will provide a stable and long-term structure for the creek.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
