Project Update
NCDOT crews and its contractors are currently concentrating on immediate recovery and repair. It’s critical that NCDOT provide access to all residents, make temporary repairs to provide at least emergency access before beginning long-term permanent replacements.
NCDOT's I-26 Widening contractors, including Fluor-United, have been part of the emergency response. Contractors will likely transition back to interstate construction in the next few weeks.
As for the
Asheville I-26 Connector, the design firms continue developing the plans. The long-term impact of Helene on the Asheville I-26 Connector is yet to be determined. It’s doubtful to have a significant impact on the completion date.
Project Overview
Traffic Information
Construction is underway on a project to widen approximately 16.9 miles of I-26 from U.S. 64 in Hendersonville to Brevard Road in Asheville. The project will help provide for safe and efficient travel in the area.
The project is divided into two sections:
- Section I-4400 is a 9.1-mile stretch that begins at U.S. 64 (Exit 49) in Hendersonville and extends along I-26 west to N.C. 280 (Exit 40).
- Section I-4700 is a 7.8-mile stretch that extends along I-26 from N.C. 280 west to the I-40/240 interchange.
Widening I-26 in the project area will improve overall roadway capacity to handle existing and future traffic volume.
Construction began in the fall of 2019, at a time when sections of I-26 experienced heavy congestion creating unpredictable traffic slow-downs and making daily commutes frustrating for motorists. This construction will improve the ability to serve high-speed regional travel.
The project will also improve permanent structures including bridges and drainage as well as pavement structure and deteriorating existing road surfaces. The existing roadway surface in the project area has undergone major rehabilitation twice, most recently in 2011.