ASHEVILLE – Work will start soon to add an acceleration lane from Interstate 40 East to U.S. 74A for $1.3 million.
The N.C. Department of Transportation contractor, IPC Structures LLC, may begin mobilizing equipment and heavy machinery this week near the affected I-40 interchange at Exit 53A.
The contractor has until the spring of 2025 to construct the acceleration lane, which will eliminate the stop sign at the offramp thus improving traffic flow and reducing backups onto the interstate.
Once construction begins, occasional daytime lane closures will be allowed on U.S. 74A, and the offramp will have occasional overnight closures with a marked detour on dates to be scheduled later.
Transportation officials urge drivers to visit www.DriveNC.gov for updates, drive with caution in work zones and obey all posted traffic signs.