Cleveland County officials have announced plans to temporarily close a section of NC Highway 226 (Polkville Road), for the demolition of Doran Mill. The section of Highway 226 between Fanning Road and Hawkins Road will be closed from 6:00 AM on Saturday, October 13 and will reopen by 6:00 AM on Monday, October 15.
The detour around the closed section of Highway 226 will use Highway 74, Washburn Switch Road (S.R. 1313), Farmville Road (S.R. 1342) and Chatfield Road (S.R. 1343). Church entrances near this section of Highway 226 will not be impacted.
"Our number one concern in the demolition of Doran Mill is public safety," said County Manager Brian Epley. "We understand that closing this road will inconvenience drivers on Highway 226 who will have to detour around the demolition site for two days," Epley added. "We have worked to minimize traffic disruption by closing Highway 226 on a weekend instead of during the week when traffic would be heavier."
Built in 1921, Doran Mill was one of three mills owned by John Dover in Cleveland County. After Doran Mill closed in 2001, the property fell into disrepair and became an eyesore along a major traffic corridor.
"Determining the highest and best use of the Doran Mill property is one of Cleveland County's top priorities," said Cleveland County Board of Commissioners Chair Eddie Holbrook.
Submitted by Janet C. Hart