ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The N.C. Department of Transportation will close several ramps along the Interstate 26 Connector corridor in April and May as construction continues on the long-term project aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity in Western North Carolina.

Officials said the closures are necessary because of construction and will remain in place permanently once implemented.

Beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, the Riverside Drive entrance ramp to I-240/I-26 will close. Drivers will be detoured along Riverside Drive to Broadway Street to access I-26 East.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, April 17, the I-240/I-26 off-ramp to Hill Street will close. Motorists are advised to remain on I-26 to Exit 25 (Broadway Street), then use Broadway Street to reach Riverside Drive and Hill Street.

In early May, the Patton Avenue eastbound ramp to the Patton Avenue eastbound frontage road (Westgate Bridge) is also scheduled to close. A specific date and detour information will be released later, officials said.

Drivers are urged to follow posted signage, use caution in work zones and plan for potential delays.