Construction on 74 to continue through spring

  • Work to repair a section of US 74 where a spring underground had caused a slow landslide continues. NCDOT said the contractor is now beginning with the fill and the work should be finished in May.
    Work to repair a section of US 74 where a spring underground had caused a slow landslide continues. NCDOT said the contractor is now beginning with the fill and the work should be finished in May.

    For people who drive the stretch of US 74 between Bryson City and Hyatt Creek, slowing into the one-lane pattern has become second nature. Work to fix an issue where a spring under the highway was creating a slow landslide began in fall 2019 and will continue through spring 2021.

    N.C. Department of Transportation officials anticipate completing repairs to U.S. 74 in Swain County by Memorial Day.

    “Thankfully, the one-lane pattern has created little congestion along the corridor, said DOT spokesperson David Uchiyama. “We look forward to good weather conditions for  winter in western North Carolina, and to opening all four lanes in late May.”

    Hopes to have the work completed this month were quelled by weather challenges and difficulties involving getting soil nails installed. Most recently, the nails were secured and the contractor can begin backfilling with the lightweight aggregate stone as required by the plans.

    This is a special type of stone that has to be trucked in from the middle of the state. It should help alleviate some of the pressure and prevent problems from the water.