ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A key traffic change is coming Sunday as part of the ongoing I-26 Connector project in Asheville.

The flyover ramp that provides access from I-26 to Westgate Shopping Center and the Hazel Mill community will close beginning Sunday as crews continue construction on the new interstate alignment.

Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said the closure is needed because the existing ramp conflicts with construction of the new roadway and the new bridge over Patton Avenue.

Once traffic is moved onto the new interstate structures, the current flyover movement will be replaced by a traditional signalized intersection on Patton Avenue.

In the meantime, drivers will need to use posted detours to reach Westgate Shopping Center and the Hazel Mill community.

The I-26 Connector project is a major NCDOT effort to rebuild and improve about 7 miles of interstate through Asheville, including new interchanges, bridges and connections between I-26, I-240 and surrounding communities. Construction is expected to continue through the coming years.