The James Madison Highway - Former Alignments
Kerr Lake:
South of Clarksville, there is a lengthy - albeit segmented - former alignment of US 15 that runs into North Carolina.  This remnant has not been US 15 for over 50 years.  In 1952, the area around Clarksville was flooded for the formation of Kerr Lake - originally named Buggs Island Lake - for electricity and flood control.  Today, the forgotten US 15 from Clarksville south to the lake is known as Secondary Route 821 - Old National Highway.  From the lake south to the North Carolina line, the former US 15 is known as Secondary Route 822, Old Soudan Road.
Left Image: Looking southwards at the end of the road for former US 15 (Secondary Route 821).   In 1952, US 15 was moved slightly to the west as a result of the formation of Kerr Lake.  The barricade blocks vehicular access to the reservoir.  (Photo taken by Mike Roberson; September 23, 2006)

Right Image: Looking north from the same point on former US 15 (Secondary Route 821).    The road is still paved; however because of a lack of use, the overgrowth has narrowed the former alignment to one lane.  (Photo taken by Mike Roberson; September 23, 2006)
Left Image: Looking North into Virginia on former US 15 (Secondary Route 822) at the North Carolina State Line.  (Photo taken by Mike Roberson; September 23, 2006)

Right Image:  Unlike Virginia, North Carolina still uses the original concrete for US 15.  Modern US 15 is less than 1/2 mile south of here. (Photo taken by Mike Roberson; September 23, 2006)
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    Page Created: December 16, 2006 
    Last Updated: December 16, 2006

    © 2006 William Lawson