HIWASSEE, N.C. — In coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Valley Authority will close one lane of North Carolina State Highway 1314 (Hiwassee Dam Access Road) beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, through Friday, March 28, 2025, to conduct maintenance work at Hiwassee Dam.

This work—essential to maintaining the dam's safety and ability to reliably generate clean energy—is part of the TVA dam safety team’s efforts to ensure the proper operation of the hydrogeneration facility’s seven spillway gates.

The visitor parking area, along with the lakeside lane of the road across the dam, will be closed for the duration of the project. It will also be necessary to close the entire road on certain days for work that requires heavy equipment. Signage will be put in place in advance to inform motorists about dates for full-road closures.

For safety reasons and to minimize impacts to the public, TVA attempts to schedule dam safety project work when water levels are lower. Motorists should exercise caution when crossing the dam, pay close attention to signage and expect delays. The project timeframe may be adjusted in the event of inclement weather. TVA appreciates the public’s understanding as we conduct the maintenance that is needed.