ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Progress on Asheville’s I-26 Connector project continues, but NCDOT officials say there are no major construction milestones to report this week as crews prepare for the next phase of work.
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s David Uchiyama said the biggest upcoming change is a planned traffic shift on I-26 West.
Crews are tentatively scheduled to move westbound traffic into the median on July 31, weather permitting. The shift will allow construction crews to continue work in areas currently occupied by traffic.
The move comes ahead of the planned closure of the Westgate interchange ramp, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 2.
NCDOT announced the closure as part of ongoing work in the West Asheville area. The ramp closure will allow crews to continue building portions of the new interchange configuration and complete additional roadway work tied to the I-26 Connector project.
Officials are reminding drivers to expect changing traffic patterns, slower speeds and possible delays as crews move into this next stage of construction.
Beyond the upcoming traffic shift and Westgate ramp closure, NCDOT said there are no other major traffic changes to announce this week.
The I-26 Connector project is a long-term effort to improve and expand Interstate 26 through Asheville, including replacing aging bridges, improving interchanges and widening portions of the corridor.
The project has already brought several major changes for drivers, including the new traffic pattern along I-26 West between Brevard Road and U.S. 64.
NCDOT is continuing work on the Haywood Road bridge replacement and other improvements throughout the corridor.