Major landslide near Tennessee line closes Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina
From Staff Reports
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation has closed
the Cherohala Skyway (N.C. 143) in western Graham County, a 20-mile route through the Nantahala
National Forest popular for its scenic views, due to a major landslide that occurred this
morning.
The slide occurred in North Carolina a half mile from the
Tennessee state line. It measured about 150 feet wide and stretched 800 to 900 feet down the
mountainside.
Currently, the western end of the Skyway is closed at the
Tennessee border. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has portable message boards in place
warning motorists that no through traffic is allowed on State Route 165 from Tennessee into North
Carolina. In North Carolina, the eastern end of the Skyway is closed at Joyce Kilmer Road (S.R.
1159).
At this time, NCDOT crews are working to assess the extent of the
damage and establish a repair schedule. More information will be made available when a timeline is
established.
