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:

May 27, 2025:

As of the evening of Monday, May 26, 2025, the work zone on U.S. Highway 12 between Morristown and Watauga was reopened to traffic. This section of Highway 12 had been closed due to extremely wet conditions.

Traffic through the work zone will be controlled with flaggers and a pilot car during working hours and will be open to two-way traffic during non-working hours. Motorists are advised to use caution through the work zone as the roadway is still soft in some areas.

This nine and one-half mile project involves the complete reconstruction of Highway 12 including the replacement of the narrow bridge one mile east of Morristown.

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May 20, 2025:

April 14, 2025 – May 15, 2025, Completed Work: Grading work and culvert installation progressing from west to east from two and one-half miles to two miles west of Watauga. A mile-and-a-half of existing surfacing was processed to one mile west of Watauga.

Anticipated work May 15, 2025 – June 15, 2025: Grading work, culvert installation will continue from west to east. The remaining one mile of existing surfacing will be processed.

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May 15, 2025 - Press Release

As of Thursday, May 15, 2025, the work zone on U.S. Highway 12 between Morristown and Watauga is closed due to extremely wet weather conditions. The highway is currently impassable and will remain closed until weather conditions improve. Dirt grade must be dried to a stable condition before reopening.

Flaggers are in place at the Highway 12 and S.D. Highway 73 junction near Thunderhawk and also at McIntosh redirecting traffic onto other State highways. Weather dependent, the Highway 12 closure is anticipated to be in place for multiple days.