Traffic Alerts
🚦 UPDATE — NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON NC 105 NOW FLASHING
The new traffic signal at NC 105 and Mountaineer Ridge Drive — near the old Watauga High School entrance — is now in flashing mode as of today, August 6.
We first reported on the signal back in June. NCDOT permitted Appalachian State University to install the light to accommodate the university’s growth, including new student housing.
The signal is currently flashing — meaning treat it as a caution light until it goes to full operation. We’ll update you when it switches to full signal mode.
NEW CROSSWALK AND ISLAND COMING TO BLOWING ROCK ROAD AND WINKLER’S CREEK ROAD
A new crosswalk and island will be installed this week at the intersection of Blowing Rock Road (U.S. 221/321) and Winkler’s Creek Road to increase safety and mobility for drivers and pedestrians.
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will convert the intersection into a right-in, right-out movement by installing a concrete island that will channel traffic exiting Winkler’s Creek Road onto U.S. 221/321 South.
Crews may close one lane of Blowing Rock Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as necessary, with all operations occurring during those hours until the project wraps up later this week. Inspectors will evaluate traffic conditions and may lift the lane closure if delays become excessive. Winkler’s Creek Road will be closed to through traffic near the intersection.
The island is designed to reduce the potential for serious-injury crashes during left-turn movements at this intersection, while the new concrete island and freshly striped crosswalk will also benefit pedestrians.
NCDOT officials remind drivers to plan ahead, remain alert, and obey all flaggers and traffic signs near the work zone.
Phillips Branch Rd (SR 1211) in Watauga County will be temporarily closed from Thursday, August 6th at 8AM until Friday, August 7th at 5PM.
The location of Temporary Closure is at Bridge #0023, which is just south of the intersection with Bethel Rd (SR 1201).
The Temporary Closure will be in place to allow the Contractor to safely construct Temporary Shoring in the early stages of the Bridge Replacement Project.
Detour Signs will be in place.
🎒 HEADS UP — APP STATE MOVE-IN SEASON IS UNDERWAY
Off-campus move-ins have already started in Boone, and official on-campus move-in begins August 11. Expect traffic to build throughout the month — and increase significantly the week of August 11 through the first day of classes, August 17.
📅 MOVE-IN SCHEDULE:
🗓 August 11–13: New first-year and transfer students
🗓 August 14–16: Continuing students
🎓 August 17: First day of classes
🚗 TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Expect increased congestion throughout the week — especially near:
- App State campus (US 321, US 421, Hardin St., Stadium Dr.)
- State Farm Road area
- Rivers Street
- NC 105 corridor
Allow extra travel time if you’re heading through Boone this week. Welcome back, Mountaineers!
🚧 NC 105 DRIVERS — HEADS UP FOR FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST.
Expect changing conditions on NC 105 near the Watauga River bridge throughout next week.
☀️ 9 AM–4 PM daily: The contractor may reduce or close one lane for construction and paving operations.
Plan ahead for delays, especially during daytime hours. Conditions can change throughout the day.
Allow extra travel time and use caution through the work zone. Real-time travel info at DriveNC.gov.
🚨 WATER LEAK NOTICE — COFFEY STREET AREA, BOONE
The Town of Boone’s Public Utilities team is responding to a water leak found on Coffey Street around 4:30 p.m. today.
To repair the leak, water will be turned off for 4-6 hours to the Coffey Street area, which includes Coffey Street, East Howard Street, a portion of West King Street near Coffey Street, and part of Hardin Street.
Coffey Street will also be closed during the repair.
If you’re in the affected area, plan accordingly for the water outage and expect delays or detours around Coffey Street.
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT — STATE FARM ROAD, BOONE
📍 State Farm Road from Sunnyside Drive to Berkley Avenue
🌙 Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30 — 7 PM to 7 AM each night
State Farm Road will be reduced to one-lane, one-way traffic Wednesday and Thursday nights for an asphalt milling and resurfacing project.
⚠️ During the closure, motorists will NOT be able to access State Farm Road from Highway 105 Extension.
Plan an alternate route and expect minor delays. Closure runs 7 PM to 7 AM each night, unless unexpected delays occur.
🚧 NC 105 BRIDGE PROJECT — WEEK OF JULY 27
Here’s what to expect on NC 105 Monday through Thursday this week:
☀️ 9 AM–4 PM: Lanes may be narrowed or closed for routine construction activities
🌙 After 7 PM: Lane closures on NC 105 and Broadstone Road overnight — road reopens by 6 AM each morning
Allow extra travel time and use caution through the work zone.
🚗 HEADS UP — BUSY SATURDAY IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
Two things to know before you head out this Saturday, July 25:
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🚧 NC 105 — BAIRDS CREEK ROAD AREA
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Blue Ridge Energy will be closing lanes on NC 105 in the area of the turn to Bairds Creek Road to replace a utility pole, weather permitting. Lane closures begin at daylight Saturday. Use caution and allow extra travel time through the area.
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🎸 JON PARDI — KIDD BREWER STADIUM, BOONE
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Multi-Platinum country star Jon Pardi headlines Kidd Brewer Stadium Saturday night, 7–10:30 PM. Expect heavy traffic in and around the App State campus area before and after the show — particularly on US 321, US 421, and roads near the stadium.
Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and expect a busy Saturday in Boone.
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT — NC 105 (BAIRDS CREEK ROAD AREA)
📍 NC 105 in the area of the turn to Bairds Creek Road, Watauga County
🕖 Saturday, July 25
Blue Ridge Energy will be closing lanes on NC 105 in that area to replace a utility pole, weather permitting. Use caution and allow extra travel time through the area on Saturday, starting at daylight.
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT — NC 105 (BAIRDS CREEK ROAD AREA)
📍 NC 105 in the area of the turn to Bairds Creek Road, Watauga County
🕖 Saturday, July 25
Blue Ridge Energy will be closing NC 105 to a one-lane traffic pattern in the area to replace a utility pole, weather permitting.
Use caution and allow extra travel time through the area Saturday.
🚧 TONIGHT & THURSDAY NIGHT — TRAFFIC ALERT
📍 NC 105 at Broadstone Road, Watauga County
🕐 Wednesday, July 22 & Thursday, July 23 — Beginning 7 PM each night
Crews will close a lane of NC 105 at Broadstone Road tonight and again Tuesday night beginning at 7 PM for work related to the NC 105 bridge construction project. Flaggers will direct traffic during both closures.
Use caution and allow extra travel time through the work zone.
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT — NC 105 & BROADSTONE ROAD
📍 NC 105 at Broadstone Road, Watauga County
🕖 Monday, July 20 — Beginning 7 PM
Beginning tonight at 7 PM, crews will close a lane of NC 105 at Broadstone Road for work related to the NC 105 bridge construction project. Flaggers will direct traffic during the closure. The road is expected to reopen by Tuesday.
Use caution and allow extra travel time through the work zone tonight.
🚧 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE — WEST KING STREET | BOONE
The Town of Boone Public Works Department has issued a road closure notice for West King Street near the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.
📍 Location: 423 West King Street (Turchin Center for the Visual Arts)
🕖 Reduced to one lane: 8:45 a.m., Monday, July 20
West King Street will be reduced to one lane for street repair. Flaggers will be stationed to help direct traffic. Motorists are asked to please drive with caution in this area while repairs are taking place.
For more information, contact Boone Public Works at (828) 268-6230.
🚧 WATER LEAK NOTICE — WEST KING STREET | BOONE
The Town of Boone Public Works Department has issued a water leak notice for West King Street near the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.
📍 Location: 423 West King Street (Turchin Center for the Visual Arts)
🕖 Lane reduction begins: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 15
West King Street will be reduced to one lane for the duration of repairs. Water services may be temporarily impacted in the surrounding area while the repair is underway.
Motorists are asked to drive with caution in this area.
For more information, contact Boone Public Utilities at (828) 268-6250.
ROAD CLOSURE ALERT — DOWNTOWN BOONE | SATURDAY, JUNE 27
The Boone Pride March will take place Saturday, June 27 in Downtown Boone. The Town of Boone has announced temporary road closures between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. for the safety of event attendees.
The following roads will be temporarily closed:
• West King Street, from Poplar Grove Connector to South Depot Street
• South Depot Street, from West King Street to Rivers Street
• Howard Street, from South Depot Street to Burrell Street
• The entirety of Burrell Street
• Poplar Grove Road, from Burrell Street to Poplar Grove Connector
Motorists are asked to drive with caution in the Downtown Boone area before and immediately after the march. Event attendees are also reminded to be aware of vehicle traffic before and after the march.
Monday June 22, 2026 – Construction continues this week on N.C. 105 near the Watauga River bridge as crews near the finish line for the first phase of the project. Lanes may be closed or narrowed from 9am-4pm Monday through Thursday.
Saturday June 13 – All lanes are closed on US-321 Southbound at Bishops Ridge Pkwy in Watauga County due to crash. Updated 3:44 pm.
The Mountaineer 10 Miler takes place throughout Boone this Sunday, June 14, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Several roads will be temporarily closed or partially closed for the safety of runners and spectators.
🏃 HEADS UP BOONE — MOUNTAINEER 10 MILER THIS SUNDAY
🚦 LANE CLOSURES:
- King St. eastbound — Poplar Grove Ext. to Hardin St.
- East King St. eastbound — Hardin St. to Daniel Boone Dr.
- State Farm Rd. westbound — Doctors Dr. to Hwy 105 Ext.
- Rivers St. westbound — Stadium Dr. to Poplar Grove Ext.
🚫 ROAD CLOSURES:
- Horn in the West Dr.
- Stadium Dr. — Hemlock St. to Rivers St.
Use caution in these areas. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to remain aware of their surroundings.
Full race route and details: mountaineer10miler.com
Here is the complete, date-adjusted report for all three counties, ready for wataugaonline.com/traffic-alerts/:
🚧 High Country Traffic Alerts — Watauga, Avery & Ashe Counties
Source: DriveNC.gov | Friday, June 12, 2026
WATAUGA COUNTY
1. Hopewell Church Road — Meat Camp
🔴 Road Work / Closure / Hurricane Helene Damage
Hopewell Church Rd is closed in both directions from Meat Camp Rd to Old Buffalo Trl. All lanes closed. Bridge #940187 is damaged at the intersection of Meat Camp Rd. Use Meat Camp Rd to NC 194 to Hopewell Church Rd as your alternate route.
Ongoing through Oct 30, 2026 | ID: 949
2. Dale Adams Road — Cove Creek
🔴 Closure (Washout)
Dale Adams Rd is closed in both directions from Old Mill Rd to Georges Gap Rd. All lanes closed due to washout damage.
Ongoing through Jun 26, 2026 | ID: 821
3. Castle Ford Road — Deep Gap / Brownwood Area
🔴 Road Work / Closure — Started today
Castle Ford Rd is closed in both directions from Tula Ln to River Rd. All lanes closed. Detour in place (see orange on DriveNC map).
Today, Jun 12 through Aug 31, 2026 | ID: 2449
4. Bairds Creek Road (SR 1113) — Valle Crucis
🔴 Road Work / Closure (Bridge Replacement)
Bairds Creek Rd is closed northbound from Laurel Fork Rd to Frontier Village Cabin Rd. All lanes closed for Bridge #322 replacement approximately 200 feet north of the Laurel Fork Rd intersection. A signed detour is in place.
May 4 through Nov 5, 2026 | ID: 918
5. US-321 — Downtown Boone (Two weeks away)
🔴 Upcoming Closure
US-321 will be closed in both directions from Old Bristol Rd to Appalachian St for the 2026 Town of Boone Pride March parade.
Friday, Jun 26, 2026 — 10:45 AM to 1:15 PM only | ID: 859
6. Payne Branch Road — Blowing Rock Area
🟠 Road Work
Payne Branch Rd is under construction in both directions from Flat Top Rd to Winklers Creek Rd. All shoulders closed.
Ongoing through Mar 25, 2027 | ID: 809
AVERY COUNTY
7. SR-184 near Dobbins Road — Banner Elk
🟠 Road Work
One lane closed on SR-184 between Dobbins Rd and Hickory Nut Gap Rd for maintenance.
Through Jun 26, 2026 | ID: 2253
8. Arbordale Church Road at Smith Cemetery Road — Banner Elk area
🔴 Upcoming Closure (Culvert Replacement)
Arbordale Church Rd will be closed just west of Smith Cemetery Rd for large culvert replacement. Use Hickory Nut Gap Rd to Arbordale Church Rd as your detour.
Begins Mon, Jun 15 through Jun 26, 2026 | ID: 2121
9. SR-105 — Grandfather Mountain Area
🟠 Upcoming Road Work — Current week
SR-105 reduced to one lane with flaggers in both directions from Ridge Dr to Tanglewood Cemetery Rd.
Mon–Fri, Jun 15–19, 2026 | ID: 2444
ASHE COUNTY
10. Buck Mountain Road — West Jefferson Area
🔴 Road Work / Closure — Today only
Buck Mountain Rd is closed in all directions from Chestnut Creek Rd to Doe Ridge Dr. All lanes closed.
Today only — Fri, Jun 12, 2026, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM | ID: 1989
11. Dogget Road — Jefferson / N. Jefferson
🔴 Road Work / Closure (Culvert Replacement)
Dogget Rd is closed in both directions from Breeze Ln to US-221-BR for culvert replacement approximately 0.1 mile from US 221 Business.
Through Jun 26, 2026 | ID: 950
12. Lewis Road — Smethport Area
🟠 Road Work
Lewis Rd under construction in both directions from Buffalo Rd to Buffalo Rd. Bridge replacement project.
Through Oct 15, 2026 | ID: 887
13. Rich Hill Road — Fig Area
🟠 Road Work (Bridge Replacement)
Rich Hill Rd under construction in both directions from Elliott Hollow Rd to Arnold Jones Rd. All lanes affected. Short temporary detour through project limits.
Through Oct 8, 2026 | ID: 882
14. Roaring Branch Road — Apple Grove Area
🟠 Road Work (Paving Project) — Active caution today
Roaring Branch Rd under construction from Virgil Greer Rd to Jack Jones Rd. Ongoing project converting gravel road to paved. Periodic lane and road closures expected during construction.
Through Sep 30, 2026 | ID: 790
⚠️ Live alert today: Use caution past Virgil Greer Rd due to road work until 5:29 PM. (Updated 3:38 PM today)
15. Denny Road — Grayson Area
🟠 Road Work
Denny Rd under construction in both directions near Flatwoods School Rd. Lanes affected.
Jun 11 through Aug 14, 2026 | ID: 2224
16. Pine Swamp Road — Blewild Area
🟠 Road Work (Bridge Replacement)
Pine Swamp Rd under construction in both directions from Birds Eye View Ln to Conley Cheek Rd. Lane alternating with automated traffic signal system in place for bridge replacement over the W. Fork Pine Swamp.
Through Oct 20, 2026 | ID: 931
For maps, detour routes, and real-time updates visit drivenc.gov
🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – ACCIDENT — NC 194 NORTH
📍 NC 194 North near Brookshire Road
🕔 Monday, June 8 — 5:10 PM
A serious crash with entrapment has been reported on NC 194 North near Brookshire Road. A detour is in place.
Avoid the area. Seek an alternate route.
🚧 NC 105 BRIDGE PROJECT — WEEK OF JUNE 8
Crews continue work on NC 105 near the Watauga River Monday through Friday this week.
☀️ 9 AM–4 PM: Temporary lane closures or narrowing for paving and routine construction activities
🌙 Overnight beginning at 7 PM: Concrete barrier rail installation
Allow extra travel time and use caution through the work zone. Real-time travel info at DriveNC.gov.
Monday, June 1 – 12 noon – getting report of tractor trailer stuck on Wilson Ridge.
Sunday May 31, 2026 – Here’s what’s planned this week on NC 105 near the Watauga River: – Paving begins Tuesday south of the Watauga River – Construction activities may cause delays from 9am-4pm Monday-Thursday – Flaggers & police will direct traffic
Traffic Alert Thursday, May 21, 2026, 3:04pm – Wreck – area of 1246 West King Street, multi-vehicle wreck. Expect delays in that area.
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT — NC 105
📍 NC 105, Watauga County
🕐 Monday, May 18
Construction continues on NC 105 today and tonight. Here’s what to expect:
☀️ 9 AM–4 PM: Brief lane closures possible, with brief road closures from 11 AM–2 PM
🌙 Tonight: Storm drainage installation continues overnight — lane closures and brief road closures possible
Use caution and allow extra travel time through the work zone.
📋 NCDOT
TRAFFIC ALERT — NC 105 BYPASS. 
Sunday, May 10 — 8:15 PM
NC 105 Bypass, Boone
Getting reports of striping and repaving work taking place on the NC 105 Bypass tonight. Delays are possible in the area.
Allow extra travel time if you’re heading through that stretch tonight.
NC 105 WORK ZONE — WHAT TO KNOW THE WEEK OF MONDAY, MAY 11-FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
If you travel NC 105 in Watauga County, plan ahead for possible brief closures Tuesday through Thursday.
Here’s what to expect:
Brief closures possible: 11 AM – 2 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Reason: Crews clearing debris in the work zone
Law enforcement and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic
Allow extra time and follow all instructions from law enforcement and flaggers on the road.
🚧 ROAD CLOSURE — MABEL SCHOOL ROAD | Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 10
Mabel School Road (SR-1303) is closed near the Tennessee state line for culvert replacement work.
📍 Location: 0.1 mile west of Silverstone Road, near mile marker 0.5–0.6, Watauga County
📅 Closure: Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 10 at 3 PM (continuous)
🔄 Detour: Slabtown Road → Emory Greer Road → Old US 421 → Mabel School Road
📋 NCDOT
TRAFFIC ALERT — KING STREET — SATURDAY, MARCH 28
King Street in downtown Boone will be closed from 10:55 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28 for a permitted march through downtown organized by Indivisible High Country as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest.
A rally begins at 10 a.m. at the Watauga County Social Services building at the Connector and US 421, followed by a march down King Street at 11 a.m. Organizers anticipate 2,000 to 4,000 participants.
Drivers should plan alternate routes during the closure.
The Great Mother March, a 500-mile women’s empowerment pilgrimage making its way from Asheville to Washington, D.C., will pass through the High Country this weekend, with walkers traveling through Watauga and Ashe counties from Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29.
Motorists are asked to be mindful of pedestrian traffic along the route.
The following roads will be affected:
Friday, March 27 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.): NC Highway 105 from Linville, Poplar Grove Road, Burrell Street, and West King Street to the Jones House in Boone.
Saturday, March 28 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.): West King Street, NC-194 North, and Todd Railroad Grade Road.
Sunday, March 29 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.): Carter Miller Road to NC-194 North (Ashe County), Baldwin Road, Beaver Creek School Road, Black Mountain Circle, Beaver Drive, Buck Mountain Road, South Jefferson Avenue, and East 2nd Street.
Traffic Alert Sunday March 15 2:50pm – Wreck – area of Boone Mountain/421 near Quality Plus.
Traffic Alert Tuesday March 10 – Wreck – area of West King Street and Poplar Grove Connector. Expect major delays in that area.
TRAFFIC ALERT | SATURDAY, MARCH 7 • 10:06 AM — ROCKSLIDE – US-321 in Sugar Grove near Trashcan Falls (one lane blocked). Rockslide reported in the area of US-321 near Trashcan Falls. One lane is currently blocked. Use caution and expect delays.
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