CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — Big changes are coming to Chimney Rock to improve travel and ease traffic, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The NCDOT picked locations for two new bridges that will help both now and down the road. One bridge is temporary, and it's designed to ease traffic after Hurricane Helene destroyed many roads and bridges. The other bridge is a long-term solution that will improve access for everyone traveling through the area.
Transportation officials worked closely with both local and state park leaders to get the project off the ground. They were able to gain public insight from more than 100 people during a comment period following a community meeting. Based on that feedback, the chosen designs of these new developments will reduce traffic headaches for those living on Southside Drive.
Here’s what’s coming soon:
A temporary bridge will go up, west of the former truss bridge that was on Southside Drive. This new route will connect U.S. 64/74A to Chimney Rock Park Road, allowing for a way to get to Chimney Rock State Park. The NCDOT is teaming up with crews from Wright Brothers Construction with a goal to have the bridge ready by Memorial Day weekend.
Looking further ahead, the NCDOT plans to replace both the Chimney Rock Park Road and Southside Drive bridges with one new, permanent bridge.
"That bridge will start at a new roundabout at the former location of Old Rock Café, cross the river and connect with Chimney Rock Park Road, providing access to Southside Drive," the NCDOT said. "Construction of the permanent bridge will commence during 2026 after nearby sections of U.S. 64/74A are reconstructed."