Drivers traveling on N.C. 184 in Avery County should prepare for a traffic shift and potential delays on Thursday, as a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) implements changes near Dobbins Road in Banner Elk. This shift is part of ongoing efforts to replace a culvert that carries Hanging Rock Creek under N.C. 184, a project initiated in late June following damage from Hurricane Helene.
The NCDOT contractor, Blythe Construction, will conduct flagging operations near Dobbins Road. These operations are essential as construction crews work to safely install new pavement markings and various traffic control devices. Travelers approaching the affected section of N.C. 184 will observe digital message boards and distinct work zone signs positioned strategically prior to the project limits. These signs and boards will prominently display information regarding the new temporary alignment and will indicate a reduced speed limit of 25 mph within the work zone, a measure implemented for the safety of both construction personnel and motorists.
Motorists should plan for periodic delays throughout Thursday. Crews from Blythe Construction will be engaged in completing the final preparations for the temporary alignment, a process that may necessitate bringing traffic to a complete stop at times. These brief but complete halts are crucial for the safe movement of equipment within the construction area, ensuring that heavy machinery can be repositioned without risk to passing vehicles. Transportation officials have been overseeing this significant infrastructure project, which began earlier in the year to address the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The culvert replacement, a vital component of local road integrity, is anticipated by transportation officials to be completed later this year, restoring full functionality to this section of N.C. 184.
Given the expected traffic adjustments and potential disruptions, drivers are strongly encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and to allocate additional travel time for their journeys through the Banner Elk area on Thursday. Furthermore, NCDOT advises all drivers to remain alert and exercise heightened caution when navigating through the work zone. For up-to-the-minute travel information and updates regarding this project and other road conditions, the public can visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT's official social media channels. The agency emphasizes that adherence to work zone signage and speed limits is critical for everyone's safety during this period of construction.
