ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Construction on the Interstate 26 Connector is entering another visible phase as crews prepare to replace the Haywood Road bridge while continuing roadway construction and grading across the project corridor.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said crews are making progress throughout the corridor as the long-term project to improve traffic flow through the Interstate 26/Interstate 240 interchange advances.

Current work includes grading, roadway construction, utility coordination and preparations for upcoming bridge work. Right-of-way acquisition and property relocation efforts also continue in some areas, according to NCDOT.

Drivers should also expect periodic overnight lane closures next week.

NCDOT spokesperson Stephanie Johnson said crews will close lanes overnight as needed for paving, maintenance and construction activities. Most of the work is scheduled overnight to minimize impacts on daytime traffic.

One of the project’s most significant upcoming milestones is the replacement of the Haywood Road bridge over I-26 and I-240.

Crews are shifting roadway alignments on the east and west sides of the interchange to create space for the new bridge and improve entrance and exit ramps. Current lane shifts and traffic pattern changes are part of those preparations before bridge construction begins.

Motorists traveling through the project area should expect reduced speeds, shifted travel lanes and intermittent lane closures while using extra caution in the work zone. NCDOT is urging drivers to follow posted signs and allow extra travel time.

The department said it will continue providing updates as the project reaches major construction milestones and additional traffic pattern changes are scheduled.

The I-26 Connector is one of Western North Carolina’s largest transportation projects. Once complete, it will rebuild the aging I-26/I-240 interchange, improve safety, reduce congestion and create new connections between I-26, I-240 and surrounding roadways.