OK,

I've gotten some emails and such about the rock slide.. So, I thought I give the down low..

Here is the map the TDOT is providing regarding detour and such.



As you could see the accident point is about 2-3 miles north of the lake pull of parking area..

to see this better, here is a google map.




Currently US129 is closed from North Carolina border to the scene of rock slide. I'm reading that it would be re-opened by March 26th. I'll keep you guys updated!

Phil

 

I just called Tennessee DOT and they told me over the phone that the road is schedule to open on Friday afternoon, March 26th, 2010

 

Hope they get this cleared up soon.


(Never assume malice when incompetence will do.)
^^^ this is a hard motto to live by^^^

 

I have a friend that lives in Bryson City, word on the local news as of this morning is Mid July.

Initially the road was open to the rockslide and the enthusiasts were LOVING the empty road according to Killboy.

Now they have taken a sadistic turn and closed the entire road.

Sucks!

Many local businesses are feeling this pretty bad.

Phil that are some nice loops you can make in that area that are just as fun, if you need any advice let me know.

 

Damn!

Here is an update from TNDOT

 

Well, that's not good So, what are the alternate routes? Could be more fun as we might not have to worry about the motorcycle guys.

 

Well I don't know how much good this will do but I just wrote to the TN and NC government officials with this letter or a derivation of it:

Good afternoon Governor,

I am writing to ask for your help in promptly reopening US129, otherwise known as the "Tail of the Dragon". Please accept the offer of Graham County NC officials to support the 13 miles of US129 until the road can be reopened. The Tail of the Dragon is of significant importance to tourism in both TN and NC and your decision to close the entire road is adversely impacting the economy of the region, placing many jobs at risk. I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing.

I am part of a large gathering of over 250 rotary enthusiasts gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th and your current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are unacceptable to us as I am sure it is to the businesses that depend on the road for their income. Put government to work and show us what can be accomplished when government functions for the good "of the people".

I appreciate the consideration and look forward to you willingness to promptly solve the issue.

Best,

David Hayes

Click here to get the emails of the officials:

http://www.dealsgap.com/save-the-gap/index.html

It can't hurt so we'll see.

 

jeez, that sucks HARD!

Too bad as I can just imagine that the tail of the dragon would be incredible with zero non-sportscar traffic on it.

 

There is Cherohala Skyway, which is NC 143. You can always double back towards Bryson City and get on 143 there. Any of the roads in the area are worth while.

I would think that the skyway will be taking some of the traffic that the dragon usually carries.

 

wow i really hope they can get it back open in time for DGRRX

 

 

This is majorly bad news.

Please keep us updated so we can work in consequence.

 

I see no problem, lets fire up some grills and keep the coolers iced down I do hate it for you guys who live far from the dragon, however, for those who havent been to the event before, it is so much more than just experiencing the dragon.

 

FYI - There was a rock slide Yesterday or last night on US441 through the Smokey Mountain Park closing 441 about 1 mile from Newfound Gap.

So if you were planning on cutting through the park you might want to check in and see if it is open.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

 

GOOD NEWS, LOOKS LIKE THE DRAGON WILL OPEN NEXT WEDNESDAY:

FROM www.dealsgap.com:

Friday April 2

Good morning and a happy good friday to everyone. Things contiue to move forward on getting the Dragon reopened by Wen next week. Waiting now for all the paperwork to be signed so the barricade can be moved.

Key things to remember:

1- It will not be one way traffic, you have to turn around and come back to the resort.

2- Two way traffic will mean crossing the double yellow puts you at risk as well as other motorcycle riders. Will resault in serious injury or a fatality.

3- THP will patrol ever day until the slide is gone, this is for our protection NOT I say again NOT to write endless tickets and use it as a revinue builder.

Easy stuff gang, we can have the Dragon for once without semi traffic on it. No word yet when the road will be open for thru traffic that will be up to the rock slide when they bring it down. But just at $2 million for the winning contract I do not see it as taking long or they will be losing money fast.

 

ROCK N ROLLLLLLL

From www.DealsGap.com:

Wednesday April 7

MONDAY 12 APRIL 2010 THE DRAGON WILL BE OPEN AT 8 AM.

Ok gang great news.....it is official well all but the lawyer to say ok. TDOT will build a fence at the state line with a gate. They will open the Dragon for use from 8am until 8pm from the NC side only. There is still no way to get past the slide so you will have to turn around after the Dragon and return. Two THP will patrol as well as Graham county EMS will be the medical support.

 

I would like to add that SAFETY is our foremost concern. So, please make sure your car is in top most shape (brakes, tires, engine, etc) and lets not add our group to the list on the Tree of Shame.

So, Please BE-CAREFUL out there. US129 is not a track but public road!