SALUDA – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close the inside lane on a stretch of Interstate 26 in Polk County this summer starting Tuesday evening.
Crews from Watson Contracting will improve drainage and the median wall between mile marker 62.5 and mile marker 64 during an operation expected to finish in September. The center and outside lane will remain open. The closure is necessary for crews to safely perform the necessary operations while also providing safety to the traveling public.
This $16.5 million project focuses on improving overall drainage and safety in this area, which suffered from major storms in recent years. The ongoing project started in early 2022 and should be complete in the spring of 2024.
Transportation officials advise drivers to slow down, remain alert and obey all posted signs through the work zone.