NCDOT seeks federal funding for $12M repair project on historic Polk County roadway

Howard Gap Road remains closed after nearly eight years

Nearly eight years after storm damage forced the closure of Howard Gap Road near Saluda, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has no confirmed construction funding or reopening date for the historic mountain route.

During the Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, NCDOT representative Troy Wilson explained that the roadway has remained closed since February 2019 because of extensive damage, unstable geological conditions, and the high cost of reconstruction.

Initial repair estimates exceeded $20 million, approximately 10 times Polk County's annual NCDOT maintenance allocation of $2 million.

The storm that damaged the roadway did not qualify for a federal disaster declaration, leaving the department without federal disaster reimbursement for the repairs.

Following additional engineering and geological investigations, NCDOT reduced the estimated reconstruction cost to approximately $12 million.

The department has secured about $1 million for engineering and design but has not received federal construction funding.

NCDOT previously prepared an application for the federal PROTECT grant program, established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, the Federal Highway Administration withdrew the funding opportunity in February 2025 before the department could submit its application.

Wilson said NCDOT intends to submit a new application before the Oct. 9 deadline.

Representatives from US Sen. Ted Budd's office have also visited the damaged roadway with county and transportation officials to examine conditions and discuss funding options.

US Rep. Tim Moore (R, NC-14) has also recently toured the area with officials.

The road's significance extends beyond local transportation.

According to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Howard Gap Road was a principal route used by Native Americans, settlers, and traders crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The approximately 65-mile route connected the Fletcher area near Asheville with transportation routes leading toward Charleston, South Carolina. It was named for Capt. Thomas Howard, a militia leader involved in a 1776 confrontation with Cherokee people near the mountain crossing.

The historic route predates the Buncombe Turnpike, which opened in 1828, and later served livestock drovers traveling through the mountains.

Construction of US 176 in 1927 diverted much of the traffic from Howard Gap Road, which subsequently became primarily a local roadway.

Today, the damaged section remains closed, forcing residents to use alternate routes and raising concerns about emergency access.

NCDOT is continuing design work while pursuing construction funding.

The department plans to hold a public meeting at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Polk County commissioners' meeting room to discuss Howard Gap Road, US 176, and other transportation projects.

For now, the nearly eight-year closure continues, with no confirmed date for construction or reopening that section of road.