Norman raises construction traffic concerns

3:07 p.m. June 4, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

During Tuesday night’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Jeff Norman voiced concerns about potential damage to a shared driveway at his property on Main Street due to nearby construction activity.

Norman, who owns 1081 Main St., stated that The Retreat at Whiskey Creek tiny home construction project has begun utilizing a private shared driveway as an access point for vehicles. While smaller utility trucks have been using the driveway without issue, Norman said he is worried that the pending arrival of concrete trucks could cause significant damage to the drive, which he said is not designed to support such heavy loads.

“My concern is when they start sending the concrete trucks through the driveway that it possibly could destroy the driveway,” Norman told the board. “That’s the only way that I have to access that property.”

He added that the driveway, which runs along a steep incline leading down to East Fork Mulberry Creek, poses additional safety concerns if compromised. “There’s two or three spots that are already slumping. A concrete truck could possibly tip over into the creek and spill.”

Norman noted that he had already discussed the matter with the construction site manager, who told him an engineering assessment was underway. However, Norman emphasized that a failed assessment would come too late.

“If it messes up, I can’t get up. Fire trucks can’t get up.”

Moore County Highway Department Superintendent Shannon Cauble confirmed that the driveway in question was not approved as a construction entrance. “I never signed anything to allow that as a construction entrance. … It's not an appropriate construction entrance.”

Commission chairman Dexter Golden said the board will reach out to the site manager to discuss reverting to the original construction access point at the rear of the property, which Norman said posed less risk due to flatter terrain.