Saluda Mayor Faces Challenges as Historic Roads Remain Closed
In the quaint town of Saluda, nestled in Polk County, Mayor Tangie Morgan not only manages the town’s affairs but also runs the M. A. Pace General Store, a family business steeped in history. “See, this is my family’s business,” she shared with BPR, emphasizing its roots dating back to the 1890s. Yet, the historical charm is overshadowed by the lingering impact of U.S. 176’s closure.
U.S. 176, a state highway critical for connecting Saluda with neighboring areas like Hendersonville and Tryon, has been impassable since Hurricane Helene struck. The storm left a 1.2-mile stretch unusable, challenging both locals and tourists to find alternative routes.
Statistics from the North Carolina Department of Transportation reveal that by the end of 2025, over 97% of state roads impacted by the hurricane had reopened. However, approximately two-dozen roads, including U.S. 176, remain closed, continuing to pose significant challenges for local communities. Read more about road closures.
According to Morgan, “176 kind of connects all the towns together. And with that being closed, it kind of isolates us from the other towns, which has affected our business, personally.”
With U.S. 176 out of service, most drivers have taken to Interstate 26, which runs parallel but is fraught with its own issues, including heavy traffic due to construction and frequent accidents. Morgan worries that travelers bypass Saluda altogether, impacting local businesses.
Complex Recovery Efforts and Financial Implications
The slow progress in repairing U.S. 176 is attributed to the complexity of coordinating multiple agencies, according to NCDOT spokesperson David Uchiyama. Efforts include securing environmental documentation, collaborating with federal partners, and coordinating with utility companies.
Uchiyama stated, “We’re still getting all of the environmental documentation, working with our federal partners, coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers, working with the utility companies that have their own whole mess to figure out, as well as working with our folks in the right-of-way office, property owners in the area and acquiring all the permits necessary.”
North Carolina plans to invest $5 billion to repair the 1,500 roads damaged by Helene, with federal assistance expected to cover a substantial portion of the costs. Explore the financial plans.
So far, NCDOT crews have repaired over 7,309 damage sites, 585 state bridges, and more than 1,600 culvert pipes. However, significant projects remain, such as repairing U.S. 19W in Yancey County and U.S. 64/74A in Rutherford and Henderson counties.
Enduring Community Impact and Future Prospects
For residents in Tryon, like Monica Jones, the road closure has disrupted daily life. “Saluda’s a sister village,” Jones noted, highlighting the inconvenience posed by I-26’s traffic woes. “I just avoid going north if I can.”
While waiting for repairs, Jones has had to change her business engagements, underscoring the “huge impact” on both Tryon and Saluda. Meanwhile, the NCDOT is preparing to begin construction in April, with bids from contractors expected next spring.
Despite the behind-the-scenes progress, frustration lingers. Uchiyama explained, “So many pieces of paper are being moved. So many designs are being drawn up right now as you and I have this conversation. But folks aren’t seeing it on the ground.”
Ultimately, the reopening of U.S. 176 will feature a new retaining wall, guardrails, and other improvements, promising a return to normalcy for the communities relying on this vital connection. Residents like Morgan and Jones remain in anticipation, as do many throughout the region.
