828 Road Report: I-40 weekend closure, I-26 traffic shift

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Travelers should be aware of several road projects happening this weekend and early next week.

Traffic shift coming to I-26 Green River bridge

A press release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says a construction project that’s been replacing the decks on the Interstate 26 bridges over the Green River will reach a “significant milestone this weekend.” Below is what the release says:

Pending good weather on Friday night, Aug. 9, the contractor will shift eastbound traffic into its final pattern and move westbound traffic into a newly constructed center section of the 225-foot-tall bridge.

“Construction has progressed well and this shift allows contract crews to move on to the next phase of construction,” Resident Engineer Tyler Rogers said. “This is a significant step, but certainly not the last one.”

The operation on Friday night requires one lane of traffic in each direction to close from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Monday morning.

These shifts will allow crews from Flatiron Constructors and subcontractors to begin the final major phase of construction. It involves removing the old deck on the eastbound side, repairing structural elements, and placing a new deck and riding surface.

Transportation officials anticipate completing the $26.9 million project on schedule and prior to Labor Day of 2025.

NCDOT officials remind drivers to slow down, remain alert and obey all posted traffic signs when driving through work zones.

Weekend closure of I-40 East in Asheville for bridge rehabilitation

A section of Interstate 40 in Asheville will once again be closed over the weekend for road work. A contractor for NCDOT is planning to close a four-mile stretch of the interstate, weather permitting, allowing crews to safely perform rehabilitation operations on a bridge between I-26 and Hendersonville Road. Below is more information from NCDOT:

Crews from DBA Harrison Construction Company of Asheville will close I-40 East from the I-240 East/I-26 West interchange (Exit 46B) to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) at 8 p.m. Friday night through 6 a.m. Monday to work on the eastbound bridge over Hominy Creek and Hominy Creek Road.

The primary detour will utilize I-240 East. Digital signs across the area notify motorists to use I-240 East for I-40 East being closed ahead. The ramp from I-26 West to I-40 East will be closed with message boards alerting motorists to continue to I-240 East. The Brevard Road onramp to I-40 East will also be closed with traffic detoured to utilize the I-240 East detour route.

Planned operations this weekend include hydro-demolition of old concrete and adding a modified concrete that will provide a new riding surface, and paving approach areas to the bridge.

The $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project includes roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays. It will also address spalling concrete on bridge substructure components — including the piers — and improve the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and two bridges over the French Broad River. The contract calls for completion in the spring of 2026.

Overnight street closure in downtown Patton Avenue area scheduled for August 14-15, 2024

The Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project continues in downtown Asheville. Next week, a portion of Patton Avenue and connecting streets will be closed. Below is what a release from the city of Asheville says on the project:

The three lane closure on Patton Avenue is expected to end on August 14. After which, a portion of Patton Avenue and connecting streets will be closed the night of August 14 and August 15 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to the ongoing Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project. The construction area will remain open during the day with one lane in each direction.

To ensure crew and community safety, Patton Avenue from Grove Street to N. Ann Street will be fully closed to allow for crews to continue installing the new stormwater system in the area.

BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS LEARN TO LIVE WITH PATTON AVENUE PROJECT

The three lane closure on Patton Avenue is expected to end on August 14. After which, a portion of Patton Avenue and connecting streets will be closed the night of August 14 and August 15 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to the ongoing Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project.

The following street sections will be closed to through traffic (open only for business and resident access):

Carter Street from Patton Avenue to Haywood Street
North French Broad Avenue from Patton Avenue to Otis Street
South French Broad Avenue from Patton Avenue to Hilliard Avenue

Work will be carried out overnight to minimize disruption to area businesses, residents, and visitors.

Detour signs will be posted at Otis Street and Clingman Avenue. Please see the map of the detour area. As with any construction project, work can be impacted by weather, causing additional delays.

Asheville road closures, according to the city’s website: