PEA RIDGE – Road work began last month near the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to construct a roundabout at the exit from U.S. 74 as well as other road improvements.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) is constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Pea Ridge Rd. and U.S. 74 as well as realigning Shehan Rd. and Pea Ridge Rd. to the edge of the TIEC property.

The construction is scheduled to be complete this fall and all roadways will remain open during the project.

“We are certainly moving forward,” said DOT District Engineer Steve Cannon. “We had to relocate some utilities. From here on, a majority of the work will take place once those lines are moved. We anticipate finishing the work this fall.”

DOT contracted with Spartanburg-based Clary Hood Inc. to complete the construction. The project will cost approximately $1.8 million, according to the DOT. Odom Engineering of Forest City designed the project.

The improvements to the roadways will enhance travel for motorists on U.S. 74 and for visitors to TIEC, according to the DOT.

DOT officials also said the project is a perfect fit for N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory’s 25-year transportation vision to enhance travel safety and to better connect North Carolinians to jobs, education, healthcare and recreational opportunities, including equestrian opportunities.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in April 2015 endorsing road construction and TIEC’s request for state funding for the project. TIEC requested the funding from the state’s discretionary funds with TIEC funding the rest of the project.

Managing partner of TIEC Mark Bellissimo just announced last week that TIEC is working with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to bring the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) to Polk County.

Tryon Equestrian Partners has invested over $125 million since 2014 developing approximately 1,500 acres at the TIEC property, located just off Pea Ridge Rd.

TIEC so far includes 1,200 stalls, 12 competition arenas, a lighted international arena that seats 6,000, a large covered/indoor arena that seats 5,000 along with a world-class cross country course to support eventing and driving. TIEC also has several restaurants and shops, an RV campground and plans for a hotel to be constructed beginning next year.