Word from the Smokies: Plans for rebuilding I-40 spur concern for wildlife
Editor’s note: This piece is the first of a two-part series exploring plans to rebuild I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge and the project’s implication for wildlife populations. Part two will appear in next week’s the Smoky Mountain News.
When I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge first opened in October 1968, it was hailed as a triumph of human accomplishment, the dawn of a new era for travel, tourism, and economic opportunity in newly linked Haywood County, North Carolina, and Cocke County, Tennessee.
Persistence pays off: Pless champions long-delayed infrastructure project
After more than four years of setbacks, political wrangling and bureaucratic delays, a small but vital infrastructure project in Haywood County is nearly complete — thanks in large part to the persistence of Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood).
Russ Avenue construction starts in Waynesville
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation has begun work on one of the busiest roads in Haywood County that the DOT hopes will improve Russ Avenue from U.S. 74 to Main Street.
NCDOT Provides Free Bicycle Helmets
Applications are open to receive free bicycle helmets from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Wildlife Commission, DOT, pledge to work together on wildlife crossings
A recently signed memorandum of understanding between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Department of Transportation signals the agencies’ commitment to work together to improve infrastructure and safety for wildlife and people on roads in North Carolina.
Design alteration may come to Waynesville’s South Main Street
An awkward Hazelwood intersection could be scrapped ahead of planned North Carolina Department of Transportation improvements to South Main Street, as long as there’s no opposition from area business owners.
Maggie Valley gets new elk crossing signs
Folks driving up or down Soco Mountain on the Haywood County side may notice some new signage indicating elk could be in the area.
Sylva awards contract for Allen Street repair
Sylva has taken the next step in the long process of repairing Allen Street after slope failure destroyed parts of the road early in 2020.
Officials break ground on Corridor K project
State and local officials celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for Corridor K, a project that will improve mobility in Western North Carolina and create a unique land bridge over a highway so hikers and wildlife can safely travel the area.
More repairs needed in Allen Street project
An inclinometer on the prefab slope above Bryson Park shows that some movement has occurred since it was installed more than 60 days ago, indicating a need for repair.
