ASHEVILLE – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will utilize overnight closures of Interstate 26 three nights this week to safely conduct a variety of operations in Buncombe County.
On Monday and Wednesday nights, I-26 East from Brevard Road (Exit 33) to Long Shoals Road (Exit 37) will close no earlier than 8 p.m. and open again by 6 a.m. Crews will utilize safety of the closure to shift the offramp at Long Shoals Road.
The new exit ramp will allow crews to complete paving a short stretch with new concrete in the coming weeks. Drivers will note starting Tuesday morning that the new entrance will be located about 150 feet closer to the Blue Ridge Parkway and emerge on their right sooner than the existing ramp.
On Tuesday night, I-26 West from Long Shoals Road to Brevard Road (Exit 3) will close will close no earlier than 8 p.m. and open again by 6 a.m.
The second and third closures this week will allow crews to safely prepare for rail installation on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The marked detour each night will direct drivers along Brevard Road (N.C. 191) and Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146). The detours will include longer green lights to accommodate additional traffic from the interstate.
These operations are part of the I-26 Widening project which will reduce congestion and improve travel times upon completion.
Drivers should remain alert, avoid distractions and obey all posted signs in the work zone.