Thunder Pig

The North Carolina Department of Transportation held an Informational Workshop on September 22, 2011 at the Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue Building near Franklin, NC and I popped in for a few minutes to see what was going on. Here is what I saw, and an interview that Greg Brew, a project engineer with the NCDOT, was kind enough to grant me:





Hat Tip: Steve Fobes of the Mountain Xpress 



WBS #: 42365.1.1  Macon County

 The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold the above
Citizens Informational Workshop on Thursday, September 22, 2011, between the hours
of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Cullasaja Gorge Rescue and Fire Department, located at 104
River Road, in Franklin.
 The purpose of this informal, open house-style public meeting is to display maps
showing four possible locations along the U.S. 64/N.C. 28 corridor between Franklin and
Highlands, for the proposed construction of truck information stations/truck turn-around
locations and obtain public input. NCDOT representatives will be available to answer any
questions. The opportunity to submit written comments will also be provided and is
encouraged. Citizens may attend anytime during the above-mentioned hours. There will
not be a formal presentation.
  The purpose of this project is to provide information regarding alternate truck
routes and the locations for trucks to turn around. Currently, large trucks are prohibited to
use the segment of U.S. 64/N.C. 28 in Macon County, but some trucks continue to use
this portion of roadway, despite warning signs. The existing roadway is a narrow, twolane road with sharp curves and a steep grade. NCDOT wants to provide an option where
truckers can obtain alternate route information and safely turn around if necessary.
 The four locations/ options being considered for large trucks travelling this
portion of highway are: 1. Construction of additional ramps (pull-overs) at the
interchange of U.S. 23/441 and N.C. 28 in Franklin; 2. A truck turn-around at the
intersection of U.S. 64/N.C. 28 and Deal Farm Circle (State Road 1565); 3. A truck turnaround at the intersection of U.S. 64/N.C. 28 and Walnut Creek Road (State Road 1533);
and 4. A truck turn-around at the intersection of U.S. 64/N.C. 28 and Chowan Drive in
Highlands.
Anyone desiring additional information regarding the proposed project may
contact Zahid Baloch, Project Planning Engineer, by phone: (919) 707-6012 or by email:
zbaloch@ncdot.gov.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with
Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this meeting. Anyone
requiring special services should contact Baloch as early as possible so that arrangements
can be made.