ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two crashes on Interstate 26 in Buncombe County are causing traffic delays Monday afternoon, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Eastbound I-26 near Brevard Road is closed about two miles east of Exit 33 (NC 191/Brevard Road) at mile marker 35. The incident was reported around 1:02 p.m., and the roadway is expected to reopen by 3 p.m. Traffic impacts are considered high, and drivers are advised to use alternate routes.

Meanwhile, a westbound lane near Long Shoals Road was shut down following a crash around 1:27 p.m., about two miles west of Exit 37 (NC 146/Long Shoals Road) at mile marker 35. One of two westbound lanes remained open, and officials expected the lane closure to clear by about 2:27 p.m.

Motorists in the area should anticipate significant delays in both directions.