U.S. 221 Repairs Require Closure

NEWLAND, NC (May 22, 2018)…Department of Transportation crews have started clearing U.S. 221 in Avery County in preparation for repairs that will take at least two weeks to complete.

Heavy rains washed a short portion of the shoulder and road away from under the pavement northeast of Linville.

As a result, the U.S. 221 will remain closed until repairs are complete and engineers deem the area safe for motorists.

The marked detour takes drivers from Linville up N.C. 105 north to Boone, then down U.S. 321 South to Blowing Rock where drivers should take U.S. 221 South. The detour takes those starting east of the repairs up U.S. 221 to Blowing Rock, then to U.S. 321 North to N.C. 105 South to Linville.

Repairs will involve driving long soil-nails underneath the road and filling in the area with rocks and dirt before adding a wall and then asphalt on top. The work will cost an estimated $200,000.

Transportation officials remind motorists to follow detours, obey posted signs and drive slow through work zones.

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