The N.C. Department of Transportation has closed a section of U.S. 221 until further notice for emergency pipe work caused by excessive rain. The 1.6-mile closure is in effect from the intersection of N.C. Highway 194 and 3-Mile Highway to N.C. Highway 183 in Burke County. Traffic traveling north on U.S. 221 from McDowell County will detour onto N.C. 183 and N.C. 181. Traffic traveling south on U.S. 221 in Avery County will use the same detour but will still be able to access N.C. 194 3-Mile Highway. As water levels recede, department crews are assessing to determine if a contractor will be needed. Motorists are urged to slow down and use caution when approaching the detour.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
