Last Updated on August 9, 2013 10:04 pm
N.C. Department of Transportation crews have closed N.C. 163 near Glendale Springs to repair a slope next to the highway damaged due to recent storms. The repairs are scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 12, at 8 a.m. and may be completed in three weeks, weather permitting.
Flooding and runoff from heavy rains loosened the soil on the long, steep bank next to N.C. 163. Crews will haul in large rocks to rebuild the embankment.
While the closure is in place, motorists will take the following 23-mile detour route:
· Take N.C. 163 and turn right onto U.S. 221. Turn right onto N.C. 16 and head back to N.C. 163.
*Update September 10, 2013*
According to NCDOT the closure had to be extended as crews worked to stabilize the top of the slope to make it safe to work below. That meant shooting soil nails and shotcrete (high pressured concrete) to keep the top from falling below.
Once that was done, the operation has been much like the N.C. 194 project in Avery County without having to rebuild the road. Large rocks have been brought in to rebuild the slope.
If everything continues on track (weather permitting of course), the road could be opened by the end of September.
Photo: NCDOT
