ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you like to paddle, float or fish the French Broad River, you may soon need to take a slightly different route.
Construction crews are preparing to begin work in the river as part of the Interstate 26 Connector project, and NCDOT is urging river users to use caution near the construction area.
The project’s contractor, Archer-Wright Joint Venture, is expected to begin building a temporary causeway in the French Broad within the next month. The rock structure will give crews access to the river so they can build foundations for four bridges that will carry I-26/240 traffic in the project’s final configuration.
Work will begin on the east side of the French Broad near river mile marker 71.5. The temporary work area will shift as construction progresses and will support bridge construction through 2029.
The causeway will be built using clean rock, or riprap, to create a stable work surface in the river. Once construction activities are complete, crews will remove the temporary structure and restore the area.
NCDOT said it worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other permitting agencies to obtain the necessary approvals for the temporary work area.
The department also will monitor water quality and bank stability during construction. NCDOT said the contractor will use standard best management practices designed to minimize impacts to the waterway.
What river users should know
River users traveling beyond the Craven Street Bridge near river mile 71 should be alert for construction activity and use caution when navigating the area.
Signs and clearly marked travel lanes will help guide river users around the construction zone.
NCDOT is urging people to follow posted warnings, use designated safe travel lanes and avoid entering the temporary work area or other active construction zones.
River conditions can change quickly based on water levels, weather and other factors. Conditions also may change around construction areas and bridge piers.
The temporary river work is part of the larger I-26 Connector project, which will include four new bridges carrying I-26/240 traffic across the French Broad River.