ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Motorists who normally travel across the Atkinson Street bridge have started finding new ways to get around this week.
Hill Street closed Sunday, Sept. 13, as crews began work to replace the existing Atkinson Street bridge and build a roundabout connecting Hill Street, Atkinson Street, Courtland Avenue and Houston Street.
The closure is expected to remain in place through at least the end of 2027.
It cuts the direct connection between the Hillcrest and Montford neighborhoods and Riverside Drive via Hill Street. Drivers can use Riverside Drive to reach Clingman Avenue or Broadway Street, depending on their destination and direction of travel.
For now, that’s the biggest traffic change motorists should expect from the I-26 Connector project.
N.C. Department of Transportation spokesperson Stephanie Johnson said no new traffic shifts or closures are currently scheduled.
Work continues elsewhere along the project, including construction of the temporary causeway in the French Broad River and work around the Craven Street Bridge and the Westgate and Bowen Bridge area.
NCDOT reported no significant changes in those areas since last week’s update.
The temporary causeway will give crews access to build foundations for four new interstate bridges across the French Broad River. Work on the causeway and bridges will continue in phases as construction progresses.