The resurfacing of US 64 from Carolina Way to Buck Creek Road in Highlands was back underway on Tuesday as NC Department of Transportation contractors got busy laying new asphalt.
The project was delayed for more than two weeks due to a shortage of asphalt transportation trucks and drivers, according to Highlands town manager Josh Ward.
“Originally, they were hoping that entire project would be finished prior to the Memorial Day holiday,” Ward said. “But because there are so many road projects going on right now across the region, they ran into a situation where they didn’t have anyone available to haul the asphalt so they had to delay.”
Ward added that the project could be done as early as Friday, depending on the weather.
The resurfacing of Main Street, NC 28 from Main Street to Clear Creek Road, and US 64 from Main Street to Buck Creek Road began in March. The final portion of the project is to resurface both lanes from Carolina Way to Buck Creek Road on US 64. While that is being completed, transportation safety crews are routing traffic into one lane, so drivers should expect delays.
“Once the last bit of paving is done they will come in and repaint the permanent traffic lines on US 64 and NC 28,” Highlands public works director Lamar Nix said. “Right now the markings on NC 28 are temporary. The painting of the roads should not take any extended time.”
Laurel Street alley
Ward informed the board of commissioners on Thursday that a project to move Laurel Street alley off of private property and on to town-owned property was in the permitting phase.
Earlier this year the town was made aware that Laurel Street alley actually encroached on a privately owned neighboring parcel. The new owner of that parcel requested the town reroute the alley by a few feet.
“In speaking with the state, they sent their environmental folks out to look at the project and determined that the alley is actually in a non-contained wetland,” Ward said. “Because of that we have to go through a separate permitting process, but we were informed this week that our permit is in the works.”