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The Unofficial |
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The Unofficial |
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A-10BB
The A-10BB project, which runs from NC 213 in Mars Hill to US 19, is currently scheduled to be finished and open to traffic by the end of 1998. Some of the aggregate base and cement stabilization is being placed at this time. The structures are either completed or near completion as well.
A-10C
The A-10C project, which runs from US 19 to Laurel Creek Road, is well under construction. Most of the work is being done right now along the section west of Sprinkle Creek Road and involves undercut removal and blasting to remove rock for use in the fills south of that area.
A haul road has been cut through Buckner Gap connecting the north and south ends of the project, although excavation in the large cut just south of the Gap closes this construction road at times. This road will allow the use of the large rock crushing/sorting machine on the north side of Buckner Gap.
The Higgins Branch Road bridges have their columns and end footings constructed. The Bear Branch Road bridge is also under construction, with the columns built and the end footings near completion. Both these bridges can be seen from US 23. All the culverts except the one to be used as an animal crossing are completed.
The Bear Branch stream relocation will get some minor repair work on it to fine tune the stream design soon. Bushes and trees have been planted along it to provide shade for the stream and enhance its suitability for animals and fish. The Jarvis Creek relocation has been constructed and the stream diverted into it.
The Bear Branch Road interchange is still unfinished and probably will for some time yet. Two rock buttresses have been built north of Buckner Gap and one of them has been covered with dirt and had grass planted on it. Two more are planned, one north of Buckner Gap and one south of the Gap near where the rest area is planned.
The plans for the rest area have been roughed out and some general grading will be starting this summer. A scenic overlook with spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell is planned at the rest area, along with the usual restroom and parking facilities. The actual construction of the rest area itself will be done on a separate project later on.
A-10D
This project, which runs from Laurel Creek Road up to the Tennessee State Line, just started construction this year. Clearing operations have begun on the south end where the large 220' high bridge across Laurel Creek and Laurel Creek Road are located, and in that project's Waste Area #1 just to the north of there. The large drainage pipes must be installed before much else can be begun, and these should be installed this summer. This project will pick up speed as the summer progresses.
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