By Becky Long
Publisher
Motorists unaware of the temporary road closing at the Bypass intersection of Highway 69 and 64 this week had to find alternate routes to McDonald’s, the Local Market, banks and other businesses frequently visited.
The closure is expected to continue through Monday, May 13 and extends about 850 feet.
Due to unknown subsurface roadway conditions, if the road closure needs to be extended the department will notify entities of Clay County in writing at that time, according to a release from DOT engineer Adam Dockery.
On Monday, NC DOT closed down what many consider a central route at the four-way intersection to complete grading, paving and pouring concrete and installing pavement markings at the intersection, according to the release.
The closing is part of the 3.8 mile Highway 69 project which involves turning a two-lane facility to a divided four-lane roadway with intersection improvements at various locations throughout the corridor, according to a 2023 report from DOT. The revised completion date for that project is July 28.
There are several options for detours before getting to the closed portion, but the work appears to have slowed traffic at a few businesses. For example, while staff could not comment on business, the long lines at McDonald’s are visibly shorter this week during the routinely congested breakfast and after school traffic.
The DOT apologized for inconveniences the closure may have created.
“All are encouraged to drive with caution and obey the posted speed limit,” Dockery said.
“All are encouraged to drive with caution and obey the posted speed limit,” Docker said.