Travel between Tryon and Saluda along U.S. 176 will remain impossible until at least the end of February, according to the latest release from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

The NCDOT posted its latest press release on Thursday, Jan. 7 stating both lanes of the road will remain closed until Feb. 29.

“Due to a rockslide, US-176 is closed in both directions near Pearson Falls Road,” states NCDOT’s release this week. “The road is expected to reopen by 12 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29. Motorists are advised to stay alert and to obey all posted signs.
Motorists are advised to take the following detour:
Motorists traveling west on US-176 will turn right onto NC-108. Continue on NC-108 then take I-26 west. Continue on I-26 west then take exit 59 onto Ozone Drive and turn left. Continue on Ozone Drive to access US-176.
Motorists traveling east on US-176 should turn left onto Ozone Drive. Continue on Ozone Drive then take I-26 east. Continue on I-26 east then take exit 67 to NC-108 and turn right. Continue on NC-108 to access US-176.”

The road was originally closed on Sunday, Nov. 29 due to a mudslide. The initial debris was removed and the road was temporarily reopened. Another mudslide occurred and expectations were for the road to be reopened on Dec. 7. NCDOT Geotechnical Unit engineers removed the remaining part of the slide area in early December but rocks came down from higher up on the mountain. A contractor has been hired to continue the work that could include a retaining wall and/or netting to secure the higher location to prevent additional rocks from falling into the road. The mud and rockslide occurred near the twin bridges on the Tryon side of U.S. 176.

All residents in the area are able to access their homes and detours with signage are available in the area.

For more information regarding travel, call 511 or visit NCDOT.gov or NCDOT on Twitter.