ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Work continues on Asheville’s massive Interstate 26 Connector project, with crews focused on preparing for several major construction phases in the coming months.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said crews are continuing work in many of the same areas along the corridor, with no major changes expected to traffic patterns over the next week.

One of the next major milestones will be the planned closure of the Westgate flyover ramp, which is expected to happen in early August. NCDOT officials said more details about that closure will be released soon.

“Crews remain focused on many of the same work areas, so there aren’t any significant changes expected over the next week,” NCDOT communications spokesperson Stephanie Johnson said.

Haywood Road bridge replacement moving forward

Crews are also making progress toward replacing the Haywood Road bridge over I-26/I-240.

The traffic shifts along I-240 needed to make room for future construction have already been completed, NCDOT said.

The next visible signs of work near the interchange will come as property acquisitions are finalized. Officials said that will lead to demolition of impacted buildings, followed by relocation of overhead and underground utilities.

Those steps are needed before crews can begin future bridge and roadway construction.

“I haven’t received next week’s lane closure schedule from our traffic team yet, but I don’t anticipate any major changes from the current traffic pattern,” Johnson said.

What is the I-26 Connector project?

The I-26 Connector is a long-planned project designed to improve travel through Asheville by separating interstate traffic from local traffic.

NCDOT Division 13 Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said the project is intended to improve reliability, safety and traffic flow along one of the busiest corridors in Western North Carolina.

“The I-26 Connector project is needed because it connects I-26,” Moneyham said. “This project will provide a connection for interstate traffic to continue moving through the area, separating it from local traffic, which will provide connectivity and reliability for those traveling into and through the area.”

The project will also upgrade the interstate corridor to meet current design and safety standards while adding capacity to help address congestion.

Changes for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists

While much of the work involves interstate improvements, officials said the project is also expected to reshape how people move through the area locally.

By separating interstate traffic from local roads, the project will create opportunities for improved connections for pedestrians and cyclists between areas such as Haywood Road, downtown Asheville and Riverside Drive.

Moneyham said the project aligns with the city’s long-term vision for the Patton Avenue corridor.

“The benefit locally is tied to separating that interstate traffic from local traffic,” he said. “We’re able to provide multi-modal connections for pedestrians and cyclists from Haywood Road to downtown to Riverside Drive and really restore the Patton Avenue corridor to a local traffic-only corridor.”

Construction on the I-26 Connector is expected to continue for several years as crews complete new bridges, roadway improvements, interchanges and other infrastructure upgrades through the Asheville corridor.