Was just reading this in the paper this morning...........

" A $244 million contract awarded by the state DOT this week will build
a 14.6 mile U.S. 64 Bypass at Asheboro, including a recently approved connector
that is expected to alleviate traffic jams and draw more visitors to the zoo.
"This is just a dream come true." Mary Joan Pugh, deputy zoo director and
assistant secretary of the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said Friday,
" We've been wanting better access to the zoo and the many
quartz crystal pockets we suspect to uncover for decades."

Thank you NCDOT!

I've been waiting for this for a long time.  We will need to monitor the construction zone closely when it starts.  These days, they very quickly landscape and hydroseed highway projects, leaving a limited amount of time to prospect.  Sundays are usually best, but some crews now work on Sundays as well.  After hours in the evening is also a good time.  Different companies seem to have different policies about collecting, so you may have to just feel them out.  The company that did the 4-lane at Kersey Valley actually didn't mind me collecting out there, even on work days, but that is very much the exception.  Be discreet, polite, stay away from their equipment, and if approached, tell them what you are doing.  Chances are they won't mind if it's after working hours.  And of course you can go with lights at night.  Just saying'     (Nice try Joe on that last quote!).            http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/asheboro/download/project_map.pdf

The group I worked with at NCDOT surveyed the entire project area for Federally threatened and endangered species.  I remember, vividly, the long hot and humid days, chiggers, and ticks beating our way through the thick brush and briers.

You should have great luck along the new road cuts.  DOT does not do the actual construction work, but hires it out to contractors.  Approach the foreman, as Laurie suggested, and tell him what you are looking for.  I do know that in some areas of NC the DOT does not allow trespassing in construction areas or along existing highways.  You might want to call the district office in Randolph Co.

Good luck!

Dennis

Yeah, do that and it will get you a big NO!  Maybe, at gun point!!

Dan,

Go to ncdot.gov website and you should find out information regarding all DOT projects in the state.  It's all public knowledge.  You might have to search around by division number.  I think the Asheboro project is in Division 8.

Dennis

Walking around dressed in khakis and collared, short-sleeve shirt, while carrying a clipboard, always worked for me to casually prospect bulldozed land when I lived in northern Virginia.  I carried a trowel in same hand as the clipboard or stuck it in my back pocket. Just looking "official" seemed to fend off trouble, or maybe I was just lucky.  (Of course going back with a shovel requires the "approach foreman and ask" routine ... or waiting for Sunday depending on the site.)  The clipboard seemed to give me cover even when workers were nearby.  Today I suppose you would need to carry a "smart pad" instead of a clipboard to appear legitimate.

My company bid (but lost) to do the stormwater drainage design for this project, but I'm sure i can get the route. I'll share it when i can get a shot of it.

-Dave

a good chunk of this construction will be only a few hundred yards from my house