Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a contract to resurface 7.5 miles of roads in Mitchell County. The $997,276 contract was awarded to Maymead Inc. of Mountain City, Tenn. The project includes resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction along: 2 miles of NC 226 A from NC 80 to NC 226 in Loafers Glory, .05 miles of NC 226 from the southern city limits of Bakersville to Cane Creek Road; 1 mile of McKinney Mine Road from pavement change to Crabtree Creek Road; 1.6 miles of NC 226 from Orchard Road to NC 226 A near Ledger; .07 miles of Hughes gap road near Buladean and .05 miles of Bear Creek Road from N.C. 226 to Buchanan Road near Ledger. The DOT says that resurfacing these sections of roadway will extend the lifespan of the pavement, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists. Work can begin as early as March 15 and is scheduled for completion by Oct. 15.