ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Work is underway on a temporary causeway in the French Broad River as construction advances on the I-26 Connector project.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said crews began construction Wednesday on the temporary work area, which will provide access needed to build bridge foundations for the project.

The temporary work area will change as construction progresses, NCDOT said. The river will remain open during construction.

Why is DeSoto Lounge being demolished while Fleetwood’s remains?

Readers have asked why the DeSoto Lounge building is being demolished as part of the project while the Fleetwood’s building will remain.

NCDOT said the difference comes down to the properties’ proximity to the road and overhead utility easements.

Changes to the roadway alignment push the right-of-way line and an overhead power easement into the Eldorado Building, which houses DeSoto Lounge, according to NCDOT.

The alignment changes also affect Fleetwood’s property. However, NCDOT said the Fleetwood’s structure is not impacted and can remain in place.

What will happen to the Haywood Road bridge?

The existing Haywood Road bridge over I-26 will be removed and replaced as part of the project, NCDOT said.

Haywood Road will remain open throughout construction while the new bridge is built in two phases.

Traffic will continue using the existing bridge until the first portion of the new bridge is completed. Traffic will then be shifted onto the new portion, allowing crews to demolish the existing bridge.

Once the old bridge is removed, crews can build the remaining portion of the new bridge.

NCDOT expects the work to begin in 2028 and take about two years.

What if construction debris damages your vehicle?

A reader recently asked what drivers should do if their vehicle is damaged by construction debris, such as gravel that washes onto the roadway.

NCDOT said drivers can submit a claim through the agency’s Contact Us website. The claim will then be routed to the contractor for review.

The same process applies to vehicle damage caused by gravel, debris, road conditions or other construction-related issues in the I-26 Connector work zone.

Drivers should document the specific location and take photos of the hazard that caused the damage. That documentation can be included with the Contact Us form.

The contractor’s claims department will review the claim and determine what, if anything, will be paid, NCDOT said.

The I-26 Connector project is expected to continue for years as crews build the new interstate connection, bridges, ramps and other infrastructure.

NCDOT’s current anticipated completion date for the project remains late 2031.