In this fast-paced world we live in today, there often are things that impede our ability to do what we want when we want to do it, and such hindrances certainly cause us plenty of inconveniences.

But sometimes such hindrances can be a good thing. And the closing of U.S. 321 at Kirby Mountain Road is one of those.

The highway, which is the primary thoroughfare to the High Country from this area, has been closed since Dec. 7 because of the potential for rock slides from unstable rock formations on the side of the mountain where construction for the widening of the road is taking place. A slide Dec. 3 revealed the precarious positioning and instability of more rock fragments.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation, after consultation with project contractor W.C. English Co., opted last week to shut down the highway to traffic in both directions. It is a decision made in the best interest of the public and one that was the right call to make given the circumstances.

While NCDOT officials announced late last week that the highway would be open by Dec. 14, that did not happen. Crews continue their work of clearing the debris and rock fragments, all to make sure the road is safe to traffic.

In the meantime, the closure forces many people who have to travel up and down the mountain to adjust their routes. Some may choose to take the winding and narrow Waterfalls Road to get past the closure, while others may opt to travel through the Globe and come out in Blowing Rock. The NCDOT suggests traveling N.C. 18 to U.S. 421 in Wilkesboro to reach Boone, Blowing Rock and other mountain destinations.

Is it a hassle to be diverted from the normal route of travel? Is it inconvenient to add extra miles to the odometer by taking an alternate route? The answer to both questions is yes.

But is it worth it? The answer to that question should be a resounding yes. Why? Simple. It’s because of safety.

Officials with the NCDOT and W.C. English knew the decision to close the road was not a popular one, especially for people wanting to shop at the many stores in the mountains, those wanting to reach North Carolina’s ski slopes or head into the hills to select a Christmas tree. But sometimes common sense needs to outweigh popularity, and that’s what happened with this decision.

There’s no way to guarantee that another full-scale rock slide will not occur. There’s no way to ensure that a boulder will not come tumbling off that mountainside and strike a vehicle traveling through that area. Sure, there are people who say they’re willing to take their chances, but is it really worth putting yourself or others in the vehicle at risk? No, it’s not. These people need to be given the time to do their jobs so they can make the road safer for us all when we travel it.

This is a decision made out of concern for the public. It’s the right call made at the right time.

Nathan Key is editor of the News-Topic. He can be reached at 828-758-7381, ext. 313, or by e-mail at nathankey@newstopic.net.