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I-26 Connector update: Lane closures, detours ahead

I-26 Connector update: Lane closures, detours ahead

Construction continues on the Interstate 26 Connector near Broadway in Asheville, as seen from Riverside Cemetery. Photo: Saga Communications/Dee Pridgen


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Another round of lane closures and rolling roadblocks is coming to Asheville as crews continue work on the Interstate 26 Connector.

The work will affect Interstate 40, Interstate 240, Patton Avenue and Riverside Drive between Sunday, Oct. 18, and Thursday, Oct. 22.

The project remains on schedule, according to N.C. Department of Transportation spokesperson Stephanie Johnson.

Overnight closures on I-40

Crews will be working on drainage along I-40 eastbound Sunday through Thursday, requiring a right-lane closure.

The Exit 44 ramp will also close nightly around 10 p.m., with traffic detoured to Exit 47 at the Farmers Market. NCDOT did not specify whether the closure affects the entrance ramp, exit ramp or both.

Rolling roadblocks Sunday night

Drivers can expect more traffic disruptions Sunday night, Oct. 18, as crews haul rock from the construction site.

The work will require a right-lane closure on northbound U.S. 23 near Exit 25 at Broadway.

Rolling roadblocks are also planned on I-240 in both directions and along Patton Avenue between Regent Park Boulevard and the west end of the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridge.

The work is scheduled from 9 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. The rolling roadblocks will last about 30 minutes at a time.

Riverside Drive work

Drivers can expect flaggers along Riverside Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 20-21, as crews work during the day.

Project remains on schedule

Despite the ongoing construction and traffic changes, Johnson said the I-26 Connector remains on schedule.

The project, which will connect I-26 southwest of Asheville with U.S. 19/23/70 northwest of the city, is expected to be completed in late 2031.

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