An Update on the Montreat Gate, and Paving Information

The Montreat Gate

The Montreat Gate (undamaged)

On August 10, 2011, the Montreat Conference Center's stone gate leading into the community was struck by a track hoe mounted on a trailer attempting to pass under the arches on the northbound side. The equipment struck the bottom of the arch, pushing it back into the wooden roof. On the far side, the impact pushed the arch outward, away from the roof structure. The stone masonry was cracked and stones were dislodged on both sides.

 Although not all the damages are external and easily visible, they are extensive and have seriously compromised the structure. It is the opinion of the engineering company employed to inspect it that the Montreat Gate is unsafe in its current condition, and they have recommended that it remain closed until repairs can be made. In the meantime, through-traffic has been detoured around the Gate on the truck route.

Next Steps. "Although we want to complete repairs as quickly as possible, safety comes first," says Montreat Conference Center president Pete Peery. "We appreciate everyone's patience while the Gate is closed and work gets underway to restore this beloved Montreat landmark." He went on to explain that, now that a certified report has been received from the engineers, the conference center is taking the following steps:

• bids are being received from three different companies; and 
• with final approval from the insurer, work will begin. 

Be watching for additional information, including a tentative timetable for completion, as it becomes available.

Assembly Drive Paving

Road Closure and Detour
(Click to enlarge)

The town of Montreat will begin paving Assembly Drive from Lake Susan to the Montreat Gate next Tuesday, September 13th. The roadway will be widened to a consistent width of 24 feet to accomodate a single bicycle lane along the northbound travel lane. The current roadway width varies between 20 and 22 feet. This will be done in phases, the first of which being the area from Lake Susan to the Georgia Terrace intersection near the Post Office. Traffic will be routed around the closure on Georgia Terrace.

It is important to note that to get to the Anderson parking lot and the Shops at Moore Center, one will have to drive up Assembly, take the detour on Georgia Terrace, and continue around the lake on Assembly Circle, reconnecting to Lookout Road.

For more information, visit the Town of Montreat website. Questions? Please contact Town Administrator Ron Nalley at (828) 669-8002 or by e-mail at townadmin@townofmontreat.org.