by Leah Justice
leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Jervey Road residents in Tryon may have an extra Christmas surprise this year.

After almost exactly four months, Tryon officials expect Jervey Road to be reopened by Christmas Day this week on Thursday.

The road was closed on Aug. 22 after a sinkhole was reported in the area. A creek runs under that section of the road.

Tryon Town Council met Dec. 16 and heard an update on the construction project from public works director Joel Burrell.

Burrell said the concrete walls have been poured and gas lines redone. Joel said hopes are that the contractors will be ready for the town to install the sewer line either the end of last week or beginning of next week.

The road should be reopened Christmas Day, Burrell said.

The project was delayed after discovering the state had to give approval for the plans because the area is in a flood plain.

Tryon council approved a bid for the construction for $40,542 in September to Hyder Construction. The costs could be slightly higher because of the delays in waiting to receive approval from the state.

Town crews told council recently the metal pipe that was underneath the road had been there for at least 50 years and was likely rusted.