Last Updated on August 6, 2026 9:20 am
A new crosswalk and concrete island are being installed this week at the intersection of Blowing Rock Road (U.S. 221/321) and Winkler's Creek Road, and work was visibly underway Wednesday morning, with cones and barricades already in place at the site to increase safety and mobility for drivers and pedestrians.
The project, being completed by a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation, will convert the intersection into a right-in, right-out movement. The new concrete island will channel traffic exiting Winkler's Creek Road onto U.S. 221/321 South, eliminating left turns out of Winkler's Creek Road once construction wraps up.
Drivers should expect possible lane closures on Blowing Rock Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as needed through the remainder of the week, with all work scheduled to take place during those hours. NCDOT inspectors will monitor traffic conditions throughout the project and may lift lane closures if delays become excessive.
Winkler's Creek Road itself will be closed to through traffic near the intersection while crews complete the work.
According to NCDOT, the island is designed to reduce the potential for serious-injury crashes during left-turn movements at the intersection, while the newly striped crosswalk will also benefit pedestrians by providing a safer place to cross.
NCDOT officials are reminding drivers to plan ahead, remain alert, and obey all flaggers and traffic signs near the work zone.
