The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Widening U.S. 221 project addressed traffic congestion, limited roadway capacity, and safety concerns along a 16.21-mile stretch of roadway, from U.S. 421 in the Deep Gap community of Watauga County to U.S. 221 Business and N.C. 88 in the town of Jefferson. Costing $184 million, the widening of U.S. 221 had a positive impact on the surrounding mountain communities by improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and strengthening regional connectivity and access for healthcare, employment and commerce. The project reduced congestion and accidents, making travel more efficient for residents and businesses. In addition, more efficient operations resulted for the Ashe County Transportation Authority, which provides transit services to Ashe County residents and visitors. It also supported economic growth by facilitating better access for local industries like Christmas tree farming and manufacturing, while improving conditions for commercial and commuter transportation between the counties of Boone, West Jefferson, and Jefferson.