Last Updated on August 30, 2012 6:40 pm
Lane closures will not take place in the U.S. 321 widening project work zone through Blowing Rock during Labor Day weekend. Construction crews may continue work during this time, but no lane closures will be allowed from Friday, Aug. 31, at 6 a.m. through Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. The regular work schedule will resume on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 5.
The road widening preparation work continues at a steady pace. Occasional lane closures will occur on weekdays between Broyhill Home Furnishings and the Green Park Inn as blasting work is ongoing. This work has not closed the entire road, nor have there been any detours, as motorists have been able to travel through the work zone with only brief delays.
The initial phase of constructing retaining walls along the project will begin in the next couple of weeks. Test drilling is required prior to the onset of some of this work. Specialized equipment and materials are beginning to arrive and work is anticipated to begin within the next couple of weeks. This work is currently scheduled to begin in the vicinity of the old Scotchman store and near Food Lion. Multiple locations may be under construction at the same time.
The N.C. Department of Transportation reminds everyone to avoid the work zone area when blasting is taking place. Precautions are put in place to prevent any rocks from leaving the blasting holes. When lane closures are in effect, remember to watch for flaggers standing near the roadway and be prepared to stop.
A project hotline assists residents or travelers in the Blowing Rock area with specific questions about the road widening project. Call (828) 964-3260 to speak to an NCDOT representative during regular weekday business hours (8 a.m. until 5 p.m.).
For information or updates on the U.S. 321 road widening project, visit the project website (www.ncdot.gov/projects/BlowingRock321/). Follow project progress on the website or via Twitter (see @NCDOT_EastMTN and #US321).
