HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities are urging the public to avoid travel along Highway 64, Highway 74, and Highway 9 in the Bat Cave and Gerton areas as road conditions remain challenging following recent infrastructure damage. While a temporary road has been created for limited access, it is narrow, unpaved, and intended primarily for residents and emergency vehicles.
The new dirt path, constructed to provide essential access for residents, is a one-lane road with muddy patches that can be difficult to navigate, especially for vehicles without four-wheel drive. Officials warn that increased traffic on this road could worsen conditions, making it even more challenging for residents to reach their homes.
Local authorities clarified that although some routes are “passable,” these roads are not fully open in the way the public might expect. The temporary road does not mean that Highway 64, Highway 74, or Highway 9 have been repaired or reopened for general public travel. Only residents and emergency responders are encouraged to use the route, which remains unsuitable for regular traffic.
The full restoration of these highways will require significant time and planning. In certain areas, the ground beneath the original roads has eroded away, meaning that entire sections will need to be redesigned and rebuilt. Local officials emphasize that these roads are not capable of supporting non-resident traffic and ask the public to respect the restrictions to avoid further complications.
Residents and emergency responders are advised to proceed with caution, and updates will be provided as work progresses on making the roads fully operational again.