U.S. Highway 12 - Morristown to Watauga

Project Summary:

This nine and one-half mile project involves the complete reconstruction of U.S. Highway 12 including the replacement of the narrow bridge one mile east of Morristown. This once narrow highway with minimal shoulders, upon completion, will have two 12-foot driving lanes along with 6-foot shoulders. The new grade line will provide travelers with improved sight distance, flatter in-slopes, and wider ditches that will allow for more snow storage capacity.

When construction crews and equipment are present during work hours, the traveling public will be guided through the project with flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Traffic speeds will also be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.

Project Timeline:

April 22, 2024 - Aug. 2025

Project Updates:

June 20, 2025:

May 15, 2025 – June 15, 2025: All in place surfacing on the project has now been processed. Grading work has proceeded within one mile of the end of the project.

Anticipated work June 15, 2025 – July 15, 2025: Grading work will continue from west to east into the last mile of the project. Finish grading, surfacing, and topsoil placement will follow behind the grading. Rough grading is anticipated to be complete by mid-July.