The cleanup project at Lake Lure, North Carolina, has come to an abrupt halt, resulting in a significant decrease in truck traffic along N.C. Highway 9. This operation, which involved the removal of sediment from the lake bed, saw dozens of dump trucks transporting approximately 80,000 pounds of debris at a time. The sudden cessation has left many residents disappointed, as the project remains unfinished despite the removal of over one million tons of material.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed that the project was not halted due to the recent federal government shutdown, as some speculated. Instead, the decision to stop operations came from the federal level without a clear explanation. Local officials, however, maintain that the target reopening date for the lake remains set for 2026, regardless of the current situation.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the end of the cleanup, with some relieved to see fewer trucks on the roads. A series of accidents involving the massive vehicles on Highway 9 raised concerns about safety. One incident occurred recently, with a dump truck rolling onto its side after veering off the road. The truck’s owner, Lonnie Middleton of Drippy’s Trucking in Webster, Kentucky, reported that the driver sustained minor injuries and was able to escape the vehicle.
Middleton described the situation, stating, “A car pulled out in front of him, and he had to take the ditch.” Despite the driver’s relief and lack of serious injuries, the incident highlighted the dangers associated with the large trucks and the volume of traffic they generated.
The abrupt halt to the cleanup has significant implications for local trucking companies. Drivers could earn up to $2,500 per load, depending on various factors, including the type of equipment and distance traveled. As the project comes to an end, many in the trucking community face uncertainty about their income.
Donna Blankenship, a driver from Matewan, West Virginia, voiced her opinion on the situation. She noted that some accidents may have been attributed to excessive speed and a lack of awareness among other drivers about the stopping distances required for loaded trucks. “It takes 300 to 500 feet to stop one of these loaded trucks,” she explained. “You’re not making any money if you’re not overloaded.”
The drivers also expressed frustration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) officers, who have been monitoring truck weights on Highway 9. Blankenship mentioned her experience receiving a citation, claiming, “The officer said I had some sand on top of my truck. But that’s just their excuse to stop you so they can weigh you.” Such interactions have raised questions about the enforcement practices during the cleanup.
As the cleanup project at Lake Lure remains incomplete, the future of the lake and local businesses hangs in the balance. Residents and workers alike are left to navigate the aftermath, hoping for clarity and a return to normalcy in their community.
