ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Some road closures will make it a little more difficult getting around the Asheville area this week. But, the North Carolina Department of Transporation (NCDOT) says it will be halting construction over the holiday weekend.

Labor Day Construction Halted/Booze It & Lose It

As Labor Day approaches, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is making sure drivers across the state reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

To help ease travel over the holiday weekend, NCDOT is halting most construction projects along interstates and U.S. routes between the morning of Aug. 30 and the evening of Sept. 3.

Before traveling, visit DriveNC.gov for the most up to date traffic information.

Additionally, the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program announced the launch of the statewide Labor Day “Booze It & Lose It” campaign.

The annual campaign brings awareness to the dangers associated with driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Local and state law enforcement will conduct enhanced patrols from now until Sept. 8 to keep impaired drivers off the road.

Full Closure Shortens Overall Schedule on White Oak Road

The NCDOT plans to close a roadway in Haywood County in order to shorten its overall construction time. Below is more information from the NCDOT:

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will finish paving a section of White Oak Road in two weeks instead of months during a full road closure slated to begin the night of Sept. 3.

Crews from Keiwit Construction will close both lanes on White Oak Road under Interstate 40 at the “high bridge” for two weeks and detour traffic on a route utilized during construction of a new bridge on the interstate.

The direct detour follows Liberty Church, Rabbit Skin, Cove Creek and White Oak roads. Haywood County emergency services and school systems have been alerted of the detour route and that construction should conclude on Sept. 15, weather permitting.

During the closure, crews will finish detailed grading, pave a new surface on White Oak Road and remove temporary traffic signals. These operations may have taken up to two months to complete with single lane closures.

“We chose to close it for two weeks to provide citizens with the best possible final product and reduce the overall time of traffic impacts,” NCDOT­­­ Resident Engineer Kenny McCourt said. “This will also allow crews to mobilize to other operations in the Pigeon River Gorge.”

Transportation officials remind drivers to plan ahead, remain alert and obey all posted traffic signs.

Patton Avenue lane closures

More lane closures are coming to an area of downtown Asheville as the Carter-Ann-Patton Project continues.

A release from the city says starting Tuesday, Aug. 27, a three-lane closure on Patton Avenue will be initiated in an effort to allow stormwater crews to safely proceed with construction for the Carter-Ann-Patton Project. The closure will need to be in effect 24 hours a day for approximately four weeks while work takes place.

The affected stretch of Patton Avenue, from approximately S. Ann Street to N. French Broad, will be reduced to one lane traveling eastbound only. A detour will be in place for westbound traffic, directing drivers to use N. French Broad and S. French Broad as alternate routes. This measure is crucial to mitigate traffic backups on I-240 and improve overall traffic in the area.

“While we understand the inconvenience this lane closure may cause, drivers are encouraged to consider using I-240 or explore other available alternate routes to navigate downtown efficiently,” the city says. “If an emergency arises in these locations, we will make every attempt to assist emergency personnel with access.”

“As City crews progress with improvements to the area, we ask for the community’s patience and caution as they may encounter large equipment and other construction related impacts,” the city’s release continues. “The City of Asheville will continue to update the Carter-Ann-Patton Project page as updates are available.”

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

  • Vance Gap Road – Closed until Nov. 15, 2024
  • College Street – Closed until Aug. 30, 2024
  • Hiawassee Street – Closed until Sept. 6, 2024
  • Depot Street – Closed until Sept. 16, 2024

Metropolitan Sewerage District road interruptions:

  • Old Haw Creek Road at Dillingham Road – Aug. 26 through Sept. 23
  • Weaverville Pump Station and Force Main Improvements – Aug. 19 through June 19, 2026
  • Depot Street at Livingston Street – Until Sept. 16, 2024
  • Joyner Avenue at Amboy Road – Until Sept. 6, 2024

I-26 overnight closures

Contractors for the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have scheduled overnight closures on Interstate 26 East for three nights this week.

A release from the NCDOT says each night, a section of the interstate will close no earlier than 8 p.m. and open again by 6 a.m. Marked detours will direct traffic and traffic lights will remain green longer than normal to accommodate additional overnight traffic.

The following closures are scheduled:

Monday & Tuesday

  • Location: I-26 East from U.S. 25 (Exit 44) to Upward Road (Exit 53)
  • Detour: U.S. 25 south into Hendersonville to U.S. 176 to Upward Road to I-26

Wednesday 

  • Location: I-26 East from Airport Road (Exit 40) to Upward Road (Exit 53)
  • Detour: Airport Road north to U.S. 25 south into Hendersonville, to U.S. 176 to Upward Road to I-26

“These operations are part of the I-26 widening projects in Buncombe and Henderson counties,” NCDOT says. “Crews will utilize the closures for various operations including paving, diamond-grinding, and overhead sign installation.”