By David Rogers. February 9, 2012. BOONE -- High Country road conditions deteriorated this morning as ice formed with below-freezing temperatures. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution. Watauga County Sheriff's Department reported several accidents were attributed to icy road conditions on Hwy. 105, including a multiple car crash in the Grandfather community, near Smoketree Lodge. Traffic on Highway 105 South was closed for a period this morning, but as of 9:16 am, "Highway 105 has been re-opened and traffic is flowing."

As of 7:00 am, unconfirmed reports indicated that Highway 105 had been closed between Tynecastle Road and Foscoe, with traffic re-routed through Valle Crucis, using Hwy. 194.  

Given the ongoing construction on the five-mile stretch of Hwy. 194 between Valle Crucis and the Avery County line, in which northbound and southbound traffic alternately use one lane of the road (the NCDOT reports that the construction project is a little more than 45% complete, with an estimated completion date of August 2012), Blowing Rock News suggests that travelers seek alternate routes to any High Country destination, should it become necessary to close Hwy. 105 again, even if it means a longer detour.  All travelers should allow additional travel time during adverse conditions.

Accidents reported:

• At least 10 cars involved in a crash on Hwy. 105, near Smoketree Lodge in the Grandfather community of Banner Elk. Injuries unknown
• Truck off road on Hwy. 105 near Grandfather community
• Junaluska Road, Toyota Celica off road, possible head injuries to driver

Blowing Rock News will continue to monitor and report as new information becomes available.

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