Crews from Keiwit Construction will close both lanes on White Oak Road under Interstate 40 at the “high bridge” for two weeks and detour traffic on a route utilized during construction of a new bridge on the interstate.

The direct detour follows Liberty Church, Rabbit Skin, Cove Creek and White Oak roads. Haywood County emergency services and school systems have been alerted of the detour route and that construction should conclude on Sept. 15, weather permitting.

During the closure, crews will finish detailed grading, pave a new surface on White Oak Road and remove temporary traffic signals. These operations may have taken up to two months to complete with single lane closures.  

“We chose to close it for two weeks to provide citizens with the best possible final product and reduce the overall time of traffic impacts,” NCDOT­­­ Resident Engineer Kenny McCourt said. “This will also allow crews to mobilize to other operations in the Pigeon River Gorge.” 

Transportation officials remind drivers to plan ahead, remain alert and obey all posted traffic signs.

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