I-26 Connector construction changes routes for Asheville firefighters

Fire crews are taking different routes in some areas as construction and congestion reshape travel

An Asheville firefighter works at the scene of a fire on Riverside Drive. The Asheville Fire Department says I-26 Connector construction has forced crews responding in the Hill Street and Riverside Drive area to adjust their routes.

Asheville's 828 News NOWDee PridgenAn Asheville firefighter works at the scene of a fire on Riverside Drive. The Asheville Fire Department says I-26 Connector construction has forced crews responding in the Hill Street and Riverside Drive area to adjust their routes.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The I-26 Connector project isn’t just affecting drivers and their daily commutes. It’s also changing how Asheville firefighters get to some emergency calls.

The Asheville Fire Department says crews have adjusted routes because of construction, particularly when responding to the Hill Street and Riverside Drive area.

Heavy traffic in Asheville also increases emergency response times, the department said, although AFD does not yet have data showing whether recent Connector-related closures and traffic shifts have caused a measurable increase.

The department routinely encounters backups along I-240, I-26, Hendersonville Road and Sweeten Creek Road, among other routes.

AFD tracks response times citywide, but that data is typically analyzed twice a year. That means any changes associated with recent road closures and traffic shifts may not show up until the department’s next analysis.

In the meantime, AFD said it monitors significant changes across its response area and adjusts routes and responses when necessary to help maintain service standards.

Firefighters are also navigating road closures unrelated to the connector project. The six-week closure of Pearson Bridge has significantly changed routes for crews responding to the Richmond Hill and Bingham Road areas, according to AFD.

The department said it stays in regular contact with the N.C. Department of Transportation and project contractors to keep up with upcoming closures, route changes and possible access limitations.

Asheville police, meanwhile, say they have not seen the connector project affect police response times overall.

“In general, we have not seen the I-26 Connector project affect response times. There may be individual instances when response times are affected, but those could be due to various factors and may be difficult to pinpoint,” APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice said.

Rice said Asheville has dealt with multiple road construction projects over the years and officers know which routes to take and which to avoid.

The construction comes as drivers navigate traffic changes associated with the I-26 Connector, including the closure of Hill Street at the Atkinson Street bridge and changes around Westgate and other parts of west Asheville.

For drivers who encounter an emergency vehicle in congestion, AFD said the usual rules still apply.

Motorists should stay alert and move to the right when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, drivers should significantly slow down and move over when possible. They also should follow directions from public safety officials at an emergency scene.

AFD also recommends planning routes ahead of time, maintaining a safe following distance and avoiding distractions such as cellphones, particularly in congested areas.