ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Drivers heading through Asheville next week may want to allow a little extra time. Construction on the I-26 Connector will bring overnight lane and ramp closures, traffic slowdowns and flagging operations to several busy roads.
Some of the biggest disruptions are expected Tuesday night, Nov. 17, when crews plan to move a crane across Patton Avenue.
According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, the work will require overnight lane closures and rolling slowdowns that could temporarily interrupt traffic on Patton Avenue, I-240, I-26, U.S. 19/23 and Westgate Drive.
More closures are planned as the week goes on.
On Wednesday and Thursday nights, crews will close a ramp at Exit 25 on I-26 West for paving. Striping work is scheduled for Friday night. NCDOT’s construction update did not specify which ramp will be affected.
Drivers who use Haywood Road to get onto I-240 East will need another route Friday night. The Exit 2 on-ramp will be closed overnight for paving.
Also Friday night, crews plan a rolling slowdown on the Patton Avenue frontage road between the former Jackson’s Western Store and Resort Drive for sidewalk striping.
Elsewhere, drivers can expect flagging operations on Hill Street, Resort Drive and Atkinson Street throughout the week as crews work on drainage and paving. Some of that work will take place during the day, while other operations are planned overnight.
Hill Street also remains subject to a separate, long-term closure associated with the Connector project.
All work is weather permitting, and schedules could change.
Drivers can check DriveNC.gov for the latest information on road closures, traffic conditions and alternate routes.