July & August 2006
“Hug-a-boulder bend” is getting plenty of attention this summer. The infamous narrow curve at mile 18 has been a source of anxiety for McCarthy Road travelers for years.
With solid rock on one side, and a drop-off of several hundred feet on the other, one had no place to go if meeting an oncoming vehicle. Common practice, at least by locals, was to “hug the boulder,” no matter which way you were heading.
Last year the state appropriated two million dollars to be used on the McCarthy Road. Blasting away the rock, crushing it and spreading it on the road will use the bulk of available funds.
A contract was also let to brush both sides of the 60 mile road. Sharp curves with brush on the inside severely limits vision. As we go to press, the brushing work is not nearly completed, but seems to
WSEN staff photo
Cleaning up after blast. Material is being moved to Mile 17 for crushing.
McCarthy Road gets $2 million of attention
July & August 2006
