An open house and public hearing is set for Tuesday, May 17, on a segment of Cooridor K, a controversial highway through the far western counties that has been partially built but still has two missing segments.

On the table is a new 9.9-mile, four-lane divided highway through the Stecoah area of Graham County. Supporters claim the highway will end the economic isolation of Robbinsville, which has no four-lane roads leading to it. Opponents lament the environmental destruction it would mean and the large price tag.

An open house will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Robbinsville High School commons area. The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. It will include an explanation of the proposed corridor alternatives, what the proposed road will look like and the right-of-way and relocation process for property owners in the path of the highway.

The DOT was sent back to the drawing board last year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the N.C. Division of Water Quality to consider whether a two-lane option could achieve the same purpose as a new four-lane highway.

At the hearing, DOT will provide details on why, after conducting the additional study, it still prefers building a new 9.9-mile highway.