Project Overview
Work is
underway to widen U.S. 221 from U.S. 421 in Deep Gap to U.S. 221 Business/N.C.
88 in Jefferson to a four-lane median-divided highway.
The
16.1-mile project is designed to improve traffic flow, increase capacity, reduce
the number of crashes, and increase regional connectivity (easier travel for larger vehicles) along this highly
traveled corridor.
U.S.
221 is key to the High Country and connecting Boone with Jefferson. It is the
main corridor into Ashe County for commuters and commercial vehicles.
Ashe County is the largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation and is
home to a GE Aviation plant.
Much of
the widening involves smoothing out curves and reducing grade inclines, which will
provide greater sight distances for drivers.