NCDOTDivision14

Frequent tavelers of both N.C. 143 and N.C. 28 have undoubtedly encountered sights like this one near the Johnson Gap intersection, as crews have been working feverishly to clear trees and other roadside foliage in anticipation of the Corridor K expansion. Complaints about lengthy wait times have steadily increased since clearing began in the fall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Frequent tavelers of both N.C. 143 and N.C. 28 have undoubtedly encountered sights like this one near the Johnson Gap intersection, as crews have been working feverishly to clear trees and other roadside foliage in anticipation of the Corridor K expansion. Complaints about lengthy wait times have steadily increased since clearing began in the fall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Tree clearing for Corridor K to cease in May

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Stecoah – If your daily commute includes a trip across Stecoah Gap, chances are you have learned to insert a 20- to 30-minute buffer for your arrival time. Before earth-moving operations can begin for the long-awaited Corridor K expansion along N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and N.C.
Roadside clearing for the upcoming Corridor K expansion has progressed quickly on N.C. 143, with crews beginning at the U.S. 129 intersection and already reaching this location near Nathan Garland Road. A local contractor was awarded the third planned segment of the improvements Dec. 20. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Roadside clearing for the upcoming Corridor K expansion has progressed quickly on N.C. 143, with crews beginning at the U.S. 129 intersection and already reaching this location near Nathan Garland Road. A local contractor was awarded the third planned segment of the improvements Dec. 20. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Local company awarded 3rd ‘K’ section

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Raleigh – Bids for the now-third planned section of Corridor K improvements through Graham County were unsealed Dec. 20. And for the first time since “letting” (awarding of contracts) began Aug. 16, a local contractor is in the mix. Adams Contracting Company, Inc. outbid Sevierville, Tenn.
This bridge on Lower Mill Creek Road was scheduled for removal, until a Nov. 15 public hearing proved that residents wanted to keep the structure intact. The bridge was constructed in 1964 and has reached its “end-of-service,” according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This bridge on Lower Mill Creek Road was scheduled for removal, until a Nov. 15 public hearing proved that residents wanted to keep the structure intact. The bridge was constructed in 1964 and has reached its “end-of-service,” according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Heavy opposition may lead to new bridge plan

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 2, 2022
West Fort Hill – The idea seemed pretty cut and dry: remove an old bridge and replace it with two dead-end turnarounds. Residents of Lower Mill Creek Road had other ideas. Amid a myriad of theories – which included the fear of increased drug activity – N.C.
Dignitaries participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Corridor K highway project in Graham County at Robbinsville High School on Monday. From left are Ronnie Keeter, Wanda Austin, Brian Burch, John Sullivan, Eric Boyette, Chris Peoples, Dirk Cody, Connie Orr and Jacob Nelms. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Dignitaries participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Corridor K highway project in Graham County at Robbinsville High School on Monday. From left are Ronnie Keeter, Wanda Austin, Brian Burch, John Sullivan, Eric Boyette, Chris Peoples, Dirk Cody, Connie Orr and Jacob Nelms. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Corridor K breaks ground

Randy Foster
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Robbinsville – Fifty-seven years in the making, the ceremony to mark the start of the ‘Corridor K’ highway project in Graham County on Monday morning was delayed by another hour and a half.

Second Corridor K contracts opened

Kevin Hensley
Friday, September 30, 2022
Raleigh – Six companies were in the mix when the first round of Corridor K letting took place Aug. 16. Just two pitches were received for the second segment – and for good reason: it is the most daunting task in the process. At an estimate of $83,824,722.
This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

First round of Corridor K bidding concludes

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Raleigh – The first contracts for the Corridor K expansion in Graham County have been unsealed. The N.C. Department of Transportation closed the “letting” (acceptance of bids) period for the first of three planned roadway improvements Aug.

Board approves premium pay

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Robbinsville – More Graham County employees will now benefit from premium pay, following a vote at the Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 21. The board voted unanimously in favor of $1,500 in premium pay for detention officers employed between Jan. 1, 2020 and Nov.

Auditor concerned about DOT finances

Charlie Benton
Friday, October 15, 2021
Despite the N.C. Department of Transportation not exceeding its spending plan for the first half of fiscal year 2021, the N.C. Office of the State Auditor has still expressed some concerns.