NorthCarolinaDepartmentofTransportation

With members of both the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation in attendance, the nieces of Thomas B. Whatley – Gwen Kinard, Terry Peacock and Pamela Puglisi (center, from left) stand proudly behind a sign dedicating the bridge over the Cheoah River on Old U.S. 129 in Robbinsville in the fallen patrolman's memory. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Bridge named in trooper's honor

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Robbinsville – Almost 78 years after a member of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was killed in the line of duty, he has received a localized memorial that will remind daily commuters of his sacrifice.

Only one lane of traffic will be the standard pattern for a 12-mile segment of Interstate 40 in North Carolina and Tennessee, as the road was back open for travelers Saturday following a five-month closure. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pigeon River Gorge re-opens to travelers

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Jonathan Creek – It may seem bizarre to navigate a two-lane interstate with the typical speed limit cut in half, but it beats the detour that has become the norm. Closed since Hurricane Helene literally destroyed portions of roadway when passing through the region Sept.

Following the closure of I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, tractor-trailers have met numerous warning signs – such as this one, at the intersection of N.C. 28 and N.C. 143 in Stecoah – to provide notice that U.S. 129 in Tennessee (the “Tail of the Dragon”) does not allow commercial vehicles over 30 feet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

I-40 closure impacting local traffic

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Tatham Gap – An accident inside the Nantahala Gorge on Saturday led to traffic being re-routed through an unusual route: Tatham Gap Road, a single-lane dirt road that serves as an alternate connection between Robbinsville and Andrews.

Corridor K worker injured in dozer accident

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Sweetwater – Details were still sketchy at press time Wednesday, but what was clear was tragedy was narrowly avoided in a Monday-afternoon incident. N.C. Department of Transportation Communications Officer David Uchiyama told The Graham Star on Tuesday that the Sevierville, Tenn.

The N.C. Department of Transportation recently activated a warning light to alert drivers approaching the busy U.S. 19/74/129 intersection in Topton. Photo by Kelsey Krizsan/The Graham Star

Topton warning lights activated

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Topton – It is a meeting point for frequent carpoolers, three counties and all four cardinal directions of travel. It is also in a location with no cell-phone reception, so when an accident occurs, help can often be delayed until a third party can go somewhere to call for emergency assistance.

Crews acted quickly to combat a blaze that burned two acres on Stecoah Mountain on Feb. 22. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Ring of fire

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Stecoah – Nighttime travelers on N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) have no doubt witnessed roaring blazes on the roadside for the last few months – the remnants of brush, trees and other foliage cleared in preparation for the Corridor K expansion. First seen near the Slaybacon Road/N.C.

Following a public hearing in November, the N.C. Department of Transportation has opted to replace this aging bridge on Lower Mill Creek Road, instead of the original plan to remove the bridge and construct two turnarounds. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Lower Mill Creek Bridge will be replaced

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Tallulah – They listened. Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation were greeted by a large turnout of opposition to a Nov.