GERTON — A short section of U.S. 74A between Gerton and Bat Cave will be reduced to one lane for at least several weeks.
N.C. Department of Transportation officials limited the two-lane highway to one lane — with a temporary signal controlling traffic — on Saturday when mud and debris covered the westbound lane.
A small slide first started leaking onto the road last May following tropical storm Alberto. The heavy rains of 2018 continued deteriorating a section of private land.
Transportation officials are in the process of developing a long-term plan to repair the hillside and protect the highway below. Geotechnical experts will evaluate the area early this week and develop the outline for a long-term solution.
Minimal delays, one phase of signal light, are expected near the intersection with Grant Mountain Road.